Proud Sato short for words after point

The Leafield-based outfit, in only their 21st Grand Prix, celebrated their maiden point after Sato came home in eighth position following a strong drive from 13th on the grid.

Sato had to keep Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella at bay during the final part of the race, after the Italian had to complete an unscheduled pitstop with eight laps remaining.

"Just an amazing weekend, a truly great performance from the team," said Sato, who was lifted on the shoulders of his mechanics after the race.

"I don't have the words really..... just one year plus four races, scoring one point in a head-to-head straight fight, beating Renault and grabbing the point.

"I just never expected this result, I'm really deeply proud of the work the team has done back in Leafield and all the team at Honda Tochigi, our sponsors, fans, families, all the people who support us.

"I just cannot describe how happy we are and a point means much more than anything else for us and this is an absolutely fantastic result," added the Japanese driver, returning to the points for the first time since the 2005 Hungarian Grand Prix.

"It was a tough race and especially through the first two stints. I was struggling a little with the pace, but I just kept on going and never gave up until the last stint when the car came back on a good balance and I was able to drive really hard.

"I was fighting with Giancarlo but I could not see him ahead of me and my race engineer kept saying 'we're fighting with Renault' and I just put my foot down. When I saw Giancarlo coming down the pitlane and I was a fraction ahead of him, it was just fantastic. Well done everybody."

With the point scored, Super Aguri move ahead of engine suppliers Honda in the standings.