Super Aguri Spa test notes 2007-07-12

Takuma Sato concluded the Super Aguri F1 Team test at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Day Three. The main emphasis of the day was working on achieving a good chassis balance and understanding how the Bridgestone Potenza tyres react to the modified circuit.

James Rossiter:

"On day one I worked on control systems evaluation in the morning and then concentrated on longer runs in the afternoon to see how the tyres were around the Spa circuit. The car balance felt good and we had no issues on day one. I think that the modification that has been made to La Source hairpin is good and the replacement for the Bus Stop chicane is a new challenge as it goes in a completely different direction. The camber changes are interesting too, so I am looking forward to seeing how these will affect the race when we return here in September."

Anthony Davidson:

"It was my first day driving round the new modified circuit at Spa and I was very impressed with what they've done. Unfortunately the weather was not great on the day I ran, but we have every chance of it being a wet race anyway, so we concentrated on finding good balance in the rain on both the extreme and wet tyres. The limited dry running I had meant that we were able to work on the electronics side even more and I was happy with the progress that we made."

Takuma Sato:

"It was a very interesting day. The weather was not consistent; this morning was only damp with light showers later, so we were able to complete a lot of dry running. We concentrated mainly on tyre work and aero analysis, but we also evaluated a new electronics system. There was a lot to do today and we collected a good amount of data. The modifications to the circuit are very well done."

"There is a new track surface giving it a bit more grip and there is a greater opportunity to overtake and race before the old Bus Stop chicane as you now have to slow down and brake heavily for the revised section. All of the changes seem to be quite safe, although the pitlane entrance is quite narrow. If they look at this before the Grand Prix I think that we will be in for a good race."

Graham Taylor, Sporting Director:

"It was good to test at this great circuit prior to racing here in September. All three SAF1 Team drivers were able to get some good mileage, but as usual the weather in Spa played a disruptive element in our plans. Having not tested before the Silverstone race it was imperative that Super Aguri F1 Team was able to run through rudimentary preparations for the Belgian Grand Prix."

Takuma Sato
Chassis: SA07-05
No. of Laps: 99
Best Lap Time: 1:48.610

-credit: super aguri