Aguri expect 'acceptable' performance

The team faced a race against time to start testing their SA05 car, but they were able to complete a three-day test at the Spanish circuit on Thursday.

The final day of the test was especially encouraging for the team after Takuma Sato nearly completed a Grand Prix distance and finished less than six seconds off the pace.

Preston said the team had delivered more than they had hoped and reckons their performance at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix will be acceptable.

"The team has delivered more than anyone imagined possible before we came to Barcelona and this makes us confident that our performance in Bahrain will be acceptable," said Preston. "Yuji (Ide) performed well during his first F1 test and Taku has been pushing hard to increase the performance of the car.

"These three days have helped to gel the team together, and that includes both the Super Aguri and Honda personnel, who have been central in our getting to this test. The engine performed faultlessly, which is a good indicator of our reliability for the first race.

"The test fulfilled our requirements and we were able to solve a number of systems-related issues. By the third day the car ran reliably all morning, allowing us to begin a programme of performance evaluations. Part of these evaluations allowed us to run our Bridgestone tyres for Bahrain and we are happy with the choice that we have made.

"Overall the team is tired following a week of very hard work, but amazingly we have achieved all of our goals and we are now looking forward to ticking the next box on the list in our test at Silverstone next week."

Super Aguri will continue with their preparations for the start of the season next week at the British track, where they will test the revised bodywork to be used in Bahrain.