Super Aguri pass another crash test

The team have had to make heavy modifications to the 2002 Arrows A23 they plan to start the season with to get it through the more stringent FIA safety standards introduced since the car originally raced.

So far the team have passed all the major tests they have conducted and now just have one more test to go prior to be given the official green light they will need to start the season.

A team spokeswoman confirmed to autosport.com that the Aguri SA05, as the modified car has been labelled, has passed all the monocoque and associated structure static and dynamic tests.

The modifications needed to get the SA05 through the crash tests are believed to have made the car look considerably different from the original A23.

Managing director Daniele Audetto told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's impossible to recognize that car [the 2002 Arrows]: to conform with the new regulations the bodywork has been completely revised."

The team are planning to run a systems check of the car on February 14th prior to it first official test at Barcelona the following week.

Audetto has made it clear, however, that the team have no illusions about how quick they will be at the start of the season prior to the introduction of their own SA06 car at the San Marino Grand Prix.

"We realise we aren't competitive," he explained. "The first Grands Prix will be useful to gain kilometres and experience. After that, with the new car, we'll try to be close to the top ten."