A productive friday session for Super Aguri

By nGO
May 5 2006

A promising start for Super Aguri as the team complete their planned schedule with only a minor hydraulics problem which did not hinder the team's progress. Montagny debuts for the team, giving valuable feedback and setting an impressive time only half a second behind Sato.

This weekend Super Aguri have introduced new aero parts hoping to improve the balance of the car. Replacement driver Frank Montagy spent today getting use to the car but also providing feedback to the team, setting a best time of 1:36.665 "My morning session was not too bad, but unfortunately I had a hydraulic problem in the afternoon and made a small mistake on my fastest lap. Overall there was nothing to worry about and I thinkthat the car was getting a little bit better as the track improved. The car was not as slow as I hadexpected so I was pleasantly surprised! I have spent today getting used to the car and team and I believe that tomorrow will be another good day."

Business as usual for Takuma Sato, he set a best time of 1.36.255, "We completed our planned programme with no problems, which is a good start to the weekend. We have a further aero update for this race which worked well and has improved the balance of the car. We struggled with low grip at the beginning, but towards the end of the sessions both the grip and balance improved. Obviously looking at our lap times we will continue working to step up our pace, but overall it was a good day for the team."

Aguri Suzuki comments on today, "It is very regretful that Yuji is not driving with SAF1 Team in this Grand Prix, but Franck Montagny has shown a good performance today and he has provided some valuable information and feedback to the team on the car. Takuma also did a good run today; he tested some different tyre and car setups. Today was very meaningful day and I believe we have made a small but important step forward."