Post by Lisa on Nov 19, 2006 17:30:21 GMT
Super Aguri has confirmed that Britain's Anthony Davidson will partner Takuma Sato in its 2007 race line-up.
The long-awaited news, trailed by ITV-F1.com in April, means that the 27-year-old will finally get his first proper opportunity as a Formula 1 race driver after six years of dutiful service as a Honda test driver.
During that time Davidson has been consistently impressive, particularly since 2004 when he has showcased his potential by regularly topping the timesheets on grand prix Fridays.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really excited about my first full season as a race driver in Formula 1,” he said.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Super Aguri and Honda for giving me this chance.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone at SAF1 – I’ve been impressed with the improvements the team has made through the 2006 season, and I can already see from my first visits to the factory that the team is very hard-working and highly motivated.
“I can’t wait to get started!”
Team principal Aguri Suzuki added: “I am delighted to have Takuma and Anthony as our drivers for next year.
“Takuma performed outstandingly in our first year and I hope that he will be able to build on this with us next year.
“As you know, Anthony has been with Honda as a test driver for a while now and he brings to us a wealth of experience in Formula 1.
“I believe that he will make a positive impact on the team and that he will fit in perfectly with the family atmosphere that we have at Super Aguri.
“I am looking forward to seeing both of our drivers rising to the challenge of the 2007 season.”
The deal reunites Davidson with his long-time buddy and sparring partner Sato, who beat him to the British F3 championship when they were team-mates at Carlin Motorsport in 2001.
The pair also worked together during Sato’s stint as a BAR-Honda race driver in 2004-05.
Davidson has taken part in three grands prix to date – two with Minardi back in 2002 and the other standing in for an unwell Sato at Sepang in ’05 – but has yet to register a finish.
Very happy to have another British driver in Formula 1 next year
Only problem is.. I now am torn between Kimi, Button and Davidson for winners !!
The long-awaited news, trailed by ITV-F1.com in April, means that the 27-year-old will finally get his first proper opportunity as a Formula 1 race driver after six years of dutiful service as a Honda test driver.
During that time Davidson has been consistently impressive, particularly since 2004 when he has showcased his potential by regularly topping the timesheets on grand prix Fridays.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really excited about my first full season as a race driver in Formula 1,” he said.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Super Aguri and Honda for giving me this chance.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone at SAF1 – I’ve been impressed with the improvements the team has made through the 2006 season, and I can already see from my first visits to the factory that the team is very hard-working and highly motivated.
“I can’t wait to get started!”
Team principal Aguri Suzuki added: “I am delighted to have Takuma and Anthony as our drivers for next year.
“Takuma performed outstandingly in our first year and I hope that he will be able to build on this with us next year.
“As you know, Anthony has been with Honda as a test driver for a while now and he brings to us a wealth of experience in Formula 1.
“I believe that he will make a positive impact on the team and that he will fit in perfectly with the family atmosphere that we have at Super Aguri.
“I am looking forward to seeing both of our drivers rising to the challenge of the 2007 season.”
The deal reunites Davidson with his long-time buddy and sparring partner Sato, who beat him to the British F3 championship when they were team-mates at Carlin Motorsport in 2001.
The pair also worked together during Sato’s stint as a BAR-Honda race driver in 2004-05.
Davidson has taken part in three grands prix to date – two with Minardi back in 2002 and the other standing in for an unwell Sato at Sepang in ’05 – but has yet to register a finish.
Very happy to have another British driver in Formula 1 next year
Only problem is.. I now am torn between Kimi, Button and Davidson for winners !!
