2007 F1 Preview: Super Aguri
February 21st 2007 03:41
Car Number: 22
Quick and aggressive
Stats
D.O.B: 28 January, 1977
Debut: Australia 2002, Jordan–Honda
Starts: 69
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 40
Takuma Sato was one of the more impressive drivers of the 2006 season. He put the horror of 2005 behind him and concentrated on performing for his new team, where he found a comfortable atmosphere. He dominated his teammates, including the highly rated Franck Montagny, and by the last few races, was dicing with Midlands and Torro Rossos. A hard earned 10th place at Brazil ended Taku’s season nicely. Sato’s aggressive brand of driving is definitely one of the most entertaining on the grid, with fearless overtaking manoeuvres his specialty. However, as we saw often in 2005, his aggression often dealt fatal blows to his machinery, with many engine blow-ups and other retirements coming from a lack of respect for his equipment. However, he seemed in 2006 to have calmed down a bit, and began driving aggressively, but also thoughtfully. On his day, Taku can be monstrously quick, but so far, his days have been few and far between. If he can pull himself together and maintain some consistent speed, Sato will definitely be worthy of some points finishes in 2007..
Car Number: 23
Finally has his chance
Stats:
D.O.B: 18 April, 1978
Debut: Hungary 2002, Minardi-Asiatech
Starts: 3
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 0
Anthony Davidson finally gets his chance to prove his own (and many of the British press’) claims that he is a bona fide racing driver. Davidson has been wafting about the F1 paddock for over five years now, racing two odd races for Minardi in 2002, spinning off in both – and one odd race subbing in for Sato at BAR in 2005, which lasted all of four laps before his engine exploded. His main role during his time, though, has been BAR/Honda’s ever-reliable third driver. In 2004, he was often topping Friday practice timesheets, which led many to believe he should be in a race seat. Now he has his chance and must prove worthy of the drive. Beating Sato in 2007 is a must, as he is the man who many believed that Davidson should have replaced at BAR. It will be no easy feat for a very English Englishman to beat a Japanese driver in a Japanese team. It is possible, Davidson is a strong driver, but he is unproven in race situations. It will be a tough first season for young ‘Ant’.
The Team
Super Aguri F1
Starts: 18
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 0
WDC: 0
WCC: 0
Team Principal: Aguri Suzuki
Test Drivers: Sakon Yamamoto (Jap)
Testing has been positive
With a little help from their friend’s, namely Honda, Super Aguri actually managed to turn a bit of speed in the latter part of 2006. Takuma Sato was often fighting, and beating Torro Rossos and Midlands in the last few races of the year, ending on a high in Brazil, where he finished a mega 10th, setting the ninth fastest lap of the day (his rookie teammate, SakonYanamoto surprisingly snatched the seventh fastest lap time). This barnstorming finish to the championship left the team on a high, and Super Aguri will no doubt enter 2007 highly motivated.
The chassis debate still rages
On paper Super Aguri look promising. Two good drivers, a good engine, and probably a good chassis theoretically could mean points for the young Japanese team. On the racetrack however, it’s a far harder task.
In a Nutshell:
Strengths: Passion, Sato and Davidson are decent drivers; Honda's support and bits and pieces.
Weaknesses: Still in infancy; old facilities; small workforce
Scoreboard:
Drivers: 6/10
Engine: 7/10
Chassis: 6/10
Resources: 3/10
Personnel: 2/10
Total: 24/50
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