22/08/2006
NEWS STORY
Following an encouraging debut from the team's new car, the SA06, in Germany and an impressive drive by Takuma Sato at the eventful Hungarian Grand Prix, the Super Aguri team is firmly focused on achieving its main objectives of increased reliability and a two-car race finish when it arrives in Istanbul for the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix this week.
The team has been spending the summer break working hard to ensure that its third SA06 chassis will be ready for the forthcoming race along with the car's new aerodynamics package. SAF1 Team will therefore be welcoming Franck Montagny back into the driving seat of car No.43 to fulfill his role as Third Driver for the Friday free practice sessions.
Takuma Sato: "I stayed in Europe for the summer break - chilling and enjoying spending time with my family. I am extremely excited about the Turkish Grand Prix because we will have a further aero update for the SA06 to complete our new car package. We have not been able to test the car during the break so we shall have to see how it performs when we reach Turkey this week. Istanbul Park is one of the most interesting circuits on the F1 calendar because it has got a unique layout - long, high-speed corners; a challenging technical section and an undulating track with good overtaking opportunity . The new car package should improve our performance through the medium to high-speed corners which require efficient aero dynamics, so I am very much looking forward to challenge at the Turkish Grand Prix."
Sakon Yamamoto: "During the break I returned to Japan and relaxed with my family and friends. I am excited by the prospect of driving the SA06 with the new aero package. When the rear suspension and gearbox package was introduced in Germany I could really feel the difference. I am confident the new additions will also be a big improvement. It is the first time I will visit Turkey and I will prepare for the race carefully. I look forward to meeting Turkish F1 fans and experiencing the culture."
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: "I was back in Japan during this summer break getting involved with the long-running ARTA Junior Kart Summer School of which I am the founder. The time has passed very quickly and I very much enjoyed getting involved with the children and actually participating in a few fun races. Now I am focused back on F1 and with the new complete version of the SA06 ready I am looking forward to the Turkish Grand Prix. Istanbul Park is a tough circuit but we have waited a long time for this moment and I believe that the car will perform well."