SAF1 TEAM 2008 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX – RACE
Albert Park, Melbourne
TAKUMA SATO Car 18 (SA08A-06)
Position DNF No: of Laps 32 Fastest Lap Time 1:30.892
ANTHONY DAVIDSON Car 19 (SA08A-05)
Position DNF No: of Laps 0 Fastest Lap Time -
Weather Hot, dry and sunny (10.5-12.1% day relative humidity)
Air Temperature 36.1-38.2°C (day min-max)
Track Temperature 46.6-51.6°C (day min-max)
The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne today was not without
incident for everyone out on the track. SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM
drivers Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson endured dry and extremely
hot weather conditions during what turned out to be an eventful
inaugural race of the 2008 season.
Takuma had a tentative race start, but made up several positions
in his usual style on the first lap. Anthony made a clean
get-away, however at turn three on lap one he became sandwiched
between two cars which came to an arrowhead in front of him.
His race immediately came to an end when he had to retired
to the pits. After an encouraging middle stint, Takuma’s
run ended on lap 32 when he stopped out on track with a no
drive.
Takuma Sato
“It was a difficult race for us. I did not get off
the start well, but after that I fought back for position
and gained a few places in the first lap, and that was an
exciting moment battling in the first stint. After the first
pitstop and a few laps we had a problem and I had to stop,
which is a shame as everyone has done such a good job to get
us here and make it happen. But I think that we collected
very valuable information and data today, so I cannot wait
to get started again in Malaysia.”
Anthony Davidson
“It is disappointing to have an early retirement from
the Australian Grand Prix. I am really frustrated that I couldn’t
do the laps that I wanted to today and finish the race, as
that was my main aim. We haven’t had much time in the
car this weekend or in testing and it was really important
to get that done today, so it is gutting not to have done
that. I feel that through no fault of my own I was sandwiched
between two cars, trying to avoid the inevitable. I tried
to brake to get away from it and the cars right and left just
rode over my front wheels, so there was no where for me to
go.”
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal
“I would like to thank all my staff and drivers as
I know that it was a very difficult winter period for the
team. We are now here in Australia and although we have not
completed enough pre-season testing, I think that everyone
has done an excellent job this week, even though we had limited
running in Friday’s practice, Qualifying and in the
race. Anthony was very unlucky after the start, but Takuma
had a good start and showed well in the race. We did not finish
both cars, but we are here, we have started the 2008 season
and our fighting spirit has not diminished.”
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