By nGO
July 28 2006

Friday at Hockenheim was the first time the SA06 has been driven on a proper track and although there was promise and potential, hydraulic problems cut both drivers exploration of the new car short.

The day began well with Sato legitimately finishing higher on the time sheets then ever before, obviously the new car has been a big improvement. Sakon also makes his debut along with the SA06, his pace was not on par with Sato, but acceptable considering he has never even taken a corner at speed with the new car previously.

Unfortunately bad weather compromised the second session and even worse was to come as both cars had their running limited by Hydraulics problems. The team will also be disadvantaged by not having a third car, which is even more crucial when running a new car, not available until Turkey. Despite these problems the team remain optimistic.

Sato happy with today even though problems prevented him from completing the full program, "It was a very good initial day with the SA06 for us," said Sato. "It was really the first test after the shakedown last week and the car ran well during the first session and also at the beginning of the second. Unfortunately we had a hydraulic problem which meant that we were unable to finish the complete programme for today, but I think it is just a minor problem, just one of those you always encounter when running a new car for the first time. The SA06 shows a very good manner and is performing well, so I am happy with the progress that we have made today."

Set backs for Yamamoto, but he remains positive for tomorrow, "I am obviously disappointed with how my first race weekend day ended, but I am very happy that I was able to recognise the SA06's potential. It is a real progression from the SA05 and I must thank the team for all their hard work and for producing a good car for us. This morning was really a shakedown and we started to work through our programme, but unfortunately we couldn't try different set-ups during the afternoon because of a hydraulic problem. I still had a good feeling from the car, so I'm not worried and am thinking very positively about tomorrow and my first Qualifying with the SAF1 Team."

Today like another Shakedown explains Aguri, "I am reasonably happy with our performance today and from this weekend I think that our true 2006 season can begin. Today was really another shakedown test for us and we naturally had a few minor problems. Taku seems happy with the SA06's handling so far and with new tyres maybe we can be even quicker than we were today - we will see tomorrow. It was a good start for the SA06 and a good performance by the team for a first day of a Grand Prix weekend with a new car."