Q+A Aguri Suzuki
New comer on the grid in 2006, the Super Aguri Formula 1 Team, is according to the Official F1 statistics one of the most reliable teams so far. Takuma Sato has completed more laps than any other team during the first three race weekends. Here follows an interview with Team Principal, Aguri Suzuki.
"We only had such a short time to start up the team and prepare the car for the first race so I am very grateful for all the hard work by the whole team. Since the first three races were fly-aways I am sure that it has been harder for everyone to prepare all the necessary things in time than it would have been had the first race taken place in Europe. However, we were able to complete the races and Takuma has been doing a great job. Yuji is trying very hard to learn how to drive F1 car. I think we have been doing our best so far and I am happy with how things are going."
Has the team been as competitive as you had hoped it would be?"I am not concentrating on being competitive at this point. The main thing for the team now is to learn from each race and complete every session. The team has been doing so well and the results have been better than I expected."
What is it like to be Team Principal of a Formula One team?"I haven't reached the point of enjoying my position yet but I feel the big responsibility of being Team principal and in leading the team in the right direction."
How are the drivers working with their new team mates?"Both drivers are getting along well. Taku is giving good advice to Yuji and things are going very well."
You have given Yuji his first opportunity in F1 - how do you think he is doing?"I am sure he is having a tough time getting used to the F1 car but I see him trying very hard. Although communicating in English may be hard for him, he will get used to it so I am not worried about that."
And finally, what can we expect from the Super Aguri F1 Team as the Formula One circus moves on to Europe for the San Marino Grand Prix in a couple of weeks?"It would be very hard to get a good result in the race but we will be more competitive as the season progresses. Everything will be step by step but we will move forward for sure. I hope people will support us and look at us in a long-term perspective."
