First day for Montagny

Super Aguri Formula One Team made an encouraging start to the European Grand Prix weekend during today's free practice sessions at the Nürburgring. Both SAF1 Team drivers completed their scheduled programmes with only one short-lived mechanical issue.

Takuma Sato "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."

Franck Montagny "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 think that the car was getting a little bit better as the track improved. The car was not as slow as I had expected 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."

Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal "It is very regretful that Yuji is not driving with SAF1 Team in this Grand Prix, but Frank 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."