Sato encouraged by SA06 performance

The Japanese driver's running was curtailed by an hydraulic problem late in the second session.

And despite ending up behind rivals Midland as the slowest driver to set a lap, he is happy with the potential of the new car.

"It was a very good initial day with the SA06 for us," said Sato. "It was really the first test after the shakedown last week and the car ran well during the first session and also at the beginning of the second.

"Unfortunately we had a hydraulic problem which meant that we were unable to finish the complete programme for today, but I think it is just a minor problem, just one of those you always encounter when running a new car for the first time.

"The SA06 shows a very good manner and is performing well, so I am happy with the progress that we have made today."

Sakon Yamamoto, making his first race appearance this weekend, also suffered an hydraulic problem in the second session. But he too is encouraged by the step forward with the new car.

"I am obviously disappointed with how my first race weekend day ended, but I am very happy that I was able to recognise the SA06's potential," he explained. "It is a real progression from the SA05 and I must thank the team for all their hard work and for producing a good car for us.

"This morning was really a shakedown and we started to work through our programme, but unfortunately we couldn't try different set-ups during the afternoon because of a hydraulic problem. I still had a good feeling from the car, so I'm not worried and am thinking very positively about tomorrow and my first qualifying with the SAF1 Team."