Australian GP: Super Aguri preview

Super Aguri F1 Team heads to Australia encouraged by the performance of the SA05 during its initial races. The team will introduce a further small aero upgrade package at the forthcoming grand prix and concentrate on weight distribution to enable better use of the Bridgestone tyres.

Albert Park is a high downforce circuit featuring a mixture of short straights and slow to medium speed corners along its 5.303km length. The circuit requires the car set-up to have a balance of good traction and stability under braking, in addition to aerodynamic efficiency.

Although a popular track with F1 drivers they face the problem of a 'green' and slippery track during the Friday practice sessions and changing conditions to a high-grip surface as the race weekend progresses.

Takuma Sato:

"I enjoy visiting Melbourne very much as the city has good food, a friendly atmosphere and, when the weather is fine, great sunshine. The circuit at Albert Park has very different characteristics to the tracks from the first two races. The team will have a new aero update for this race and I think that our car will be better suited to this meandering street circuit."

"After the opening back-to-back races the team has now had a chance to take a short break and we have also had time to evaluate our performance from the initial races and hopefully make a step forward for the coming grands prix."

Yuji Ide:

"I have visited Australia many times and I always liked it. There's only one hour time difference from Japan and the weather is great. I am looking forward to the grand prix in Melbourne and to hopefully finishing a Formula One race for the first time."

"It has been very disappointing for me to not finish the past two races, especially since all the mechanics are working so hard. I know that there has been a mechanical problem on my car, but I feel very frustrated. I really hope that I will be able to finish the next race in Australia."

Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal:

"I always enjoy visiting Australia and I have a house there. This time my visit will be very special because I return to take part in our first ever Australian Formula One Grand Prix."

"Super Aguri F1 Team will bring a further front wing development to Australia, so we shall hopefully see an improvement in our performance. I hope that we will be able to move up a position on the grid and see cars #22 and #23 both finishing the race."

-superaguri-