04/08/2006
NEWS STORY
Super Aguri made an encouraging start to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend during the free practice sessions today. Without the benefit of a third SAF1 Team car running, both Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto were undertaking the team's full testing programme which ensured a very busy schedule for both car crews today.
Takuma Sato: It was a good day for us. During the first session we studied the aero mapping, which we are obviously unfamiliar with for this particular high downforce spec package we have brought to Hungary. Unfortunately this morning the track temperature was very low so we were limited in the amount we could achieve. However, the car ran smoothly and we had no problems. The second session was encouraging and we completed the medium to long runs we needed because we don't have a third driver to evaluate the tyres here. The car performed well, so we will see what develops for tomorrow.
Sakon Yamamoto: This is the first time that I have driven at the Hungaroring so I tried to learn as much as I could about the layout during the first session. In the afternoon we concentrated on adapting the car set-up for this track and we have collected a lot of data. I am going to talk to my engineers now about preparations for tomorrow and to find out which parts we have to improve upon. Taku has done a very good job today, so I want to compare data with him and see where's where.
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: I am quite happy with today's results. Sakon needs more practice at this circuit because it is his first time here, but he did a very good job today, producing consistent runs and providing good feedback for the team. Taku did an excellent job during the second session and although the car still needs some work towards the set-up for tomorrow, there is a very good feeling within the garage regarding the new car's performance here in Hungary so far, so I am very interested to see what will happen tomorrow.
To check out our Hungary free practice gallery, click here