Imola debut unlikely for new Super Aguri

With an intensive programme needed to get the modified 2002 Arrows A23 cars that they will start the season with ready to comply with 2006 regulations, the team have had to divert resources away from preparing their new SA06 car.

And that means it is now touch and go whether the car will make its debut at Imola or will have to wait until the next race, the European Grand Prix, on May 7.

Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto told autosport.com: "There is a strong possibility of that (not making Imola), because we have had to dedicate more time to the SA05 (the modified Arrows car).

"We had to go through a lot of modifications to pass the crash tests, and comply with new safety and aero rules. It has been a lot of work and meant only a few people have been able to work on the 2006 car.

"But I don't want to say that the car will definitely not be in Imola, so let's see. We are still pushing for that."

Aguri are also likely to only have one of their new cars ready when it does make it debut - which means that Yuji Ide may have to continue with the SA05 for several more races.

"We would like to give both drivers the same possibility if we can," added Audetto. "But if we can at least have one for Takuma Sato then that is what we will do."

Once the SA05 cars are shipped off to Bahrain, then Aguri will start putting all their efforts into getting their 2006 cars ready.

That focus will also likely mean that the team will not waste resources trying to get a third 2005-chassis ready to take part in Friday practice. The team will probably only run a third driver once the new car is ready.

"We prefer to concentrate on the 2006 car, without any pressure and without any stress," explained Audetto. "There is not much we can learn from the SA05, and to be last by six seconds or last by five seconds does not make much difference.

"We want to use the beginning of the season to learn; make good pitstops, learn some good strategy and give everyone in the team some confidence. It will be like a training session.

"But we are not losers. We are very professional and will take all the positives we can from this learning period."