22/07/2006
NEWS STORY
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Sakon Yamamoto and the eagerly anticipated SA06 car will be making their F1 racing debuts for the Super Aguri team at the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim next week.
Since returning from the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours, the team has successfully completed the shakedown of the SA06. Takuma Sato was the first SAF1 Team driver to step behind the wheel of the new challenger on Wednesday at Silverstone in chassis SA06-03 whilst Sakon took over the driving duties in chassis SA06-04 at Santa Pod on Thursday. Both drivers completed their planned programmes, required laps and kilometres.
The SA06 will finally take to the race track at the 4.574 km-long Hockenheimring circuit. The new car is on average 20 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and boasts a completely new aerodynamics package, aluminium gearbox and striking livery. The car now features a lower centre of gravity and the rear suspension has been optimised for efficient use of the team's Bridgestone tyres.
Takuma Sato: "It was very exciting for me and the team to shakedown the SA06 for the first time on Wednesday. It is good to have this kind of shakedown as we are able to see if there are any initial installation problems. We were able to solve our minor issues quickly and we completed our planned programme for the day, so it was a very good day for the team. The car felt good, although it is difficult to say how good as the Stowe circuit is very short compared to a normal race track. I am excited to be going to the German Grand Prix with a car that we know will be competitive, so I am very much looking forward to arriving in Hockenheim next week."
Sakon Yamamoto: "Our second shakedown on Thursday was another very good day for the team because we did not encounter any major problems and completed our testing schedule. I felt that the car was improving constantly throughout the day so I am really looking forward to going to Germany next week. Hockenheim will be my first race with the SAF1 Team and I am, of course, very excited and appreciate everyone's hard work. I am very proud to be racing with the team and will try my best to improve, step-by-step, for everyone."
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: "I am very happy that we were able to go ahead with the long-awaited shakedown of the SA06. Although it was later than originally planned, I felt that it went very well for a first shakedown. As we have yet to run the car in a race it is difficult to say this, but I believe that this is the true start to our 2006 campaign. As the German Grand Prix will be the debut race for the SA06, it is possible that we are going to face a few teething problems, but I have every confidence in the capability of the car and the team. It is going to be Sakon's debut race and I believe that his experience as third driver up to now should help him perform well in the race. Next weekend in Hockenheim is going to be like a new beginning for us and I am looking forward to it very much."
To check out our Super Aguri track debut picture gallery, click here