Super Aguri pleased with double finish

Japanese driver Takuma Sato wound up 12th after spending the initial part of the race in front of faster cars, like Rubens Barrichello's Honda.

Sato eventually dropped down the order after being hit by wheel problems, one of which forced him to finish the race in the pitlane.

It was Sato's third consecutive finish.

Teammate Yuji Ide made it to the end of the race for the first time, albeit three laps down and in last place.

"It was such a dramatic race today," said team principal Aguri Suzuki. "So many things happened, including with our cars, but I am glad to say that we have accomplished our very first team goal which was to have both cars finish the race.

"Although it is a small one, it is always a good feeling to accomplish your goal. I am sure that it was a difficult race for the drivers and the team, so I am grateful to all of them for their hard work."