Super Aguri and the two new SA06 race cars made an encouraging start to the German Grand Prix weekend in Hockenheim today. Takuma Sato and new SAF1 Team racing team-mate Sakon Yamamoto completed the majority of their planned testing programmes during the morning's free practice session. Rain delayed the start of the afternoon's running for most of the teams', however when SAF1 Team finally took to the track a hydraulic problem on both cars unfortunately hindered progress. Takuma's running ended just minutes before the chequered flag, whilst Sakon's session ended after completing two laps.

Takuma Sato: It was a very good initial day with the SA06 for us. It was really the first test after the shakedown last week and the car ran well during the first session and also at the beginning of the second. Unfortunately we had a hydraulic problem which meant that we were unable to finish the complete programme for today, but I think it is just a minor problem, just one of those you always encounter when running a new car for the first time. The SA06 shows a very good manner and is performing well, so I am happy with the progress that we have made today.

Sakon Yamamoto: I am obviously disappointed with how my first race weekend day ended, but I am very happy that I was able to recognise the SA06's potential. It is a real progression from the SA05 and I must thank the team for all their hard work and for producing a good car for us. This morning was really a shakedown and we started to work through our programme, but unfortunately we couldn't try different set-ups during the afternoon because of a hydraulic problem. I still had a good feeling from the car, so I'm not worried and am thinking very positively about tomorrow and my first Qualifying with the SAF1 Team.

Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: I am reasonably happy with our performance today and from this weekend I think that our true 2006 season can begin. Today was really another shakedown test for us and we naturally had a few minor problems. Taku seems happy with the SA06's handling so far and with new tyres maybe we can be even quicker than we were today - we will see tomorrow. It was a good start for the SA06 and a good performance by the team for a first day of a Grand Prix weekend with a new car.

To check out our Hockenheim practice gallery, click here