Super Aguri not too disappointed after Australian race

The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne today was not without incident for everyone out on the track. SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM drivers Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson endured dry and extremely hot weather conditions during what turned out to be an eventful inaugural race of the 2008 season.

Takuma had a tentative race start, but made up several positions in his usual style on the first lap. Anthony made a clean get-away, however at turn three on lap one he became sandwiched between two cars which came to an arrowhead in front of him. His race immediately came to an end when he had to retire to the pits. After an encouraging middle stint, Takuma’s run ended on lap 32 when he stopped out on track with no drive.

Takuma Sato: “It was a difficult race for us. I did not get off the start well, but after that I fought back for position and gained a few places in the first lap, and that was an exciting moment battling in the first stint. After the first pitstop and a few laps we had a problem and I had to stop, which is a shame as everyone has done such a good job to get us here and make it happen. But I think that we collected very valuable information and data today, so I cannot wait to get started again in Malaysia.”

Anthony Davidson: “It is disappointing to have an early retirement from the Australian Grand Prix. I am really frustrated that I couldn’t do the laps that I wanted to today and finish the race, as that was my main aim. We haven’t had much time in the car this weekend or in testing and it was really important to get that done today, so it is gutting not to have done that. I feel that through no fault of my own I was sandwiched between two cars, trying to avoid the inevitable. I tried to brake to get away from it and the cars right and left just rode over my front wheels, so there was no where for me to go.”

Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal: “I would like to thank all my staff and drivers as I know that it was a very difficult winter period for the team. We are now here in Australia and although we have not completed enough pre-season testing, I think that everyone has done an excellent job this week, even though we had limited running in Friday’s practice, Qualifying and in the race. Anthony was very unlucky after the start, but Takuma had a good start and showed well in the race. We did not finish both cars, but we are here, we have started the 2008 season and our fighting spirit has not diminished.”

TAKUMA SATO Car 18 (SA08A-06)
Position DNF No: of Laps 32 Fastest Lap Time 1:30.892

ANTHONY DAVIDSON Car 19 (SA08A-05)
Position DNF No: of Laps 0 Fastest Lap Time -