30/09/2006
NEWS STORY
The weather played an integral role in today's running at the Shanghai International Circuit. SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM drivers Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto experienced difficult track conditions as the low cloud and high humidity added to an already heavy atmosphere following overnight rain. All teams made the change from intermediate to dry tyres half way through the morning's Free Practice session as the track started to dry out. Takuma set the 16th fastest time of the morning, a 1:43.722, just three seconds off the timesheet leader. The weather did not lift for Qualifying in the afternoon as the rain came down making for hazardous driving conditions.
Takuma Sato: It was a difficult day for everyone in tricky conditions. During this morning's practice session I tested wet and dry tyres, but we were not comfortable with the evaluation of the wet's. It was important that we completed the test though as in the end we had to qualify in the rain. At the end of session we also tested the dry tyre options and completed a few timed laps, which was good because I missed most of the running yesterday. Qualifying was like a lottery, with changing weather and track conditions which made it difficult to pick the right running time, and also a red flag situation. I am taking an engine change penalty on the grid anyway, but, wet or dry, I believe that we are ready for the race tomorrow.
Sakon Yamamoto: I'm really disappointed with my Qualifying result because I had confidence going into the rainy session from FP3 this morning. During Qualifying we changed our strategy and ran a new tyre evaluation. But on my fastest lap there was a red flag, so I had to come back to the garage. When I went out again there were only three minutes left and with so much water on the track there was no chance to improve on my time. Obviously the lap times are down due to the weather conditions, but my lap time today was not the best that I could have set. Whether the conditions are wet or dry tomorrow, I will just try to do my best.
Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: This afternoon's Qualifying was driven in very difficult conditions for everybody. It was hard for us to decide on the correct tyre choice for the session and then, just before the drivers went out for their attacking laps, we had a red flag situation. This was extremely bad timing for us and we did not qualify well, but hopefully we shall have dry conditions for the race tomorrow.
To check out our Shanghai qualifying gallery, click here