By Phil Huff
June 12 2005

Takuma Sato had a disappointing Canadian Grand Prix, with the Lucky Strike BAR Honda driver being unfortunate enough to suffer two mechanical failures in the one race. From the very beginning Taku had a tough time, struggling to get his BAR Honda 007 off the line smoothly, hindering himself in the first turn. Moments later ex-BAR racer Jacques Villeneuve gave the Japanese star a tap, damaging the diffuser and breaking off part of the rear wing, both immensely critical aerodynamic parts.

Despite that, Takuma managed to hold on and run as high as sixth, before retiring from the race after 22 laps with a lack of gearbox oil pressure.

However, 27 minutes later the driver returned to the race, sporting an entirely new rear end to his car, complete with new gearbox. "This is a bit unusual," said Takuma in a master piece of understatement, "but we wanted to collect some data and there was also a chance to gain position."

From 19th in the race, behind a number of other drivers who were very much out of the race, Takuma set about climbing up the order, if only to help out with the qualifying order at the next race at Indianapolis.

Sadly, on lap 40, Takuma retired a second time, on this occasion permanently.

"The car was not working well," explained Sato. "The hydraulic pressure was too low. In the end, the rear brakes locked up and I lost the car completely."

With the rear end locked, and smoke pouring from the wheels, his race was over.

"It was an extremely disappointing result for all of us today, especially as we had looked good all weekend," said Sato. "The mechanics did a fantastic job to get me back in the race today and it was a pity that we were unable to finish.

"We can take some positives from this weekend however so we look forward now and hope to do better in Indianapolis."