Super Aguri sign all Japanese driver line up.

**BertMk2** · 15 Feb 2006, 14:23 (Ref:1523432)

As widely predicted SA have gone for 2 Japanese drivers:

http://www.planet-f1.com/news/story_22105.shtml

neilap · 15 Feb 2006, 16:05 (Ref:1523476)

I think they are taking a big chance. Sato is not a proven entity. In fact if he is proven at all its to be inconsistent. I wish them the best but I know for sure it will be a struggle for both drivers and for the team. I only hope they are able to run with the back pack for the first few races till they introduce their new chassis. If they are only in the way then it will be almost pointless to race.

The new chassis on the other hand should be good enough to race with. I still would not expect much but it should be better. Sato has been given so many chances in F1; I hope he does well this time around. He will be the team leader and the racer with the experience. I understand he is very technical but if he cant produce, how valuable will he really be as a driver?

Ryo28 · 15 Feb 2006, 16:16 (Ref:1523488)

I think they are taking a bigger chance on Ide, rather than Sato, as he is relatively unknown in European F1 terms. I suppose in a way it doesn't matter as much if the drivers are not of a great standard this season, as it is very much a learning year - Aguri Suzuki has admitted as much. I wonder what happens to the 'all Japanese' tag line when the team sign a non-Japanese driver, which will surely happen at some point in the future? (the fact that the team is based in Britain is of course also seemingly overlooked!)

Dutton · 15 Feb 2006, 17:22 (Ref:1523546)

Knock me down with a feather.

Sato is no-brainer. Sato = money + F1 experience (with a top team, and Honda).

Ide I am aware of, but really don't know much about him. I'd be willing to bet he is popular in Japan. This is as good a reason as any for the team to take him this year.

Webslinger · 15 Feb 2006, 17:27 (Ref:1523547)

I tend to know something about most up-and-coming drivers, but I have to admit that Ide means nothing to me at all. What CV does he have to earn a Super Licence?

Suze · 15 Feb 2006, 17:40 (Ref:1523557)

Who here's seen Ide / rates Ide / has something positive to say about him? All I know about him is a little from Formula Nippon, tis all

Dutton · 15 Feb 2006, 17:53 (Ref:1523564)

Formula Nippon Official Site

Ide's Website

On the Nippon site you will need to click on the driver option on the left, as the link doesn't allow any more specialisation than to the main page.

Ide's site appears to only provide a simple run down of what he competed in each year, and that is all.

The Nippon site, once in Ide's profile, provides his rounds' results for 2005, but says nothing about table positions, whereas Ide's site says he finished 2nd in the 2005 standings.

Anyway, on the face of it, seems like he is decent enough to be the 2nd driver in a not entirely competitive team.

BootsOntheSide · 15 Feb 2006, 17:53 (Ref:1523566)

He's finished top 3 in Nippon in the alst 2 seasons, which may be enough for a Superlicence in itself - otherwise, is there time for him to do the required testing to accumulate toruble-free miles?

Dutton · 15 Feb 2006, 17:57 (Ref:1523569)

If need be Honda will run him to crack up some kms.

safc_fan89 · 15 Feb 2006, 19:08 (Ref:1523641)

Super Aguri clearly aren't going to achieve much this season then. But at least it keeps some Japanese interest in f1 in terms of an actual team and drivers. Even if it is Sato and an untried driver!

Webslinger · 15 Feb 2006, 19:23 (Ref:1523657)

Thanks for that - much appreciated.

marcel82 · 15 Feb 2006, 20:46 (Ref:1523736)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutton

Knock me down with a feather.

Sato is no-brainer. Sato = money + F1 experience (with a top team, and Honda).

Ide I am aware of, but really don't know much about him. I'd be willing to bet he is popular in Japan. This is as good a reason as any for the team to take him this year.

well, Sato is the most succesfull japanese F1-driver ever, so I suspect that has something to do with his place in an all-japanese driver lineup

Dutton · 15 Feb 2006, 21:06 (Ref:1523760)

I thought my "F1 experience (with a top team, and Honda)" comment would leave it clear I was acknowledging that aspect.

Indeed, the fact he can bring the team money (and I was thinking in terms of merchandise, and team sponsors) is a result of this (comparative) success.

marcus · 15 Feb 2006, 21:23 (Ref:1523788)

how is sato the most succesfull japanese driver ever ???

not questioning (ok I am) but just confused as to how or where that statement came from ?

**ghinzani** · 15 Feb 2006, 21:50 (Ref:1523815)

Who is their 3rd driver going to be? I noticed Ralph Firman bigging them up and he did drive for SA in JGT last year - maybe they should stick him in the car on fridays, it could benefit all!

Suze · 15 Feb 2006, 22:03 (Ref:1523826)

tbh I can't think of many others

marcel82 · 15 Feb 2006, 22:31 (Ref:1523849)

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcus

how is sato the most succesfull japanese driver ever ???

not questioning (ok I am) but just confused as to how or where that statement came from ?

well, he is the only Japanese driver to ever score points in F1

Dutton · 15 Feb 2006, 22:44 (Ref:1523860)

Not true.

BootsOntheSide · 15 Feb 2006, 22:49 (Ref:1523865)

Only Japanese driver to score a front row start or finish as high as 8th in the championship, and I should think he has more points than anyone else once you adjust everyone's results to the same points system. I'd still say Ukyo Katayama was a more capable driver though, and perhaps Tora Takagi would've really shone in a Japanese team with no language or cultural barrier.

Dixie Flatline · 15 Feb 2006, 22:56 (Ref:1523875)

There was an episode of Iron Chef where the challenger was given support by Suzuki-san and Katayama-san. The challenger lost.

Good luck to Super Aguri. Sato has been given the most responsibility he has ever had in a Formula One team. Matched up with a rookie in a rookie team, he will be expected to be the prime motivator, the successful driver and, along with Suzuki-san himself, the face of the team. I hope he's up for the challenge.

jondownunder · 15 Feb 2006, 23:28 (Ref:1523904)

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcel82

well, he is the only Japanese driver to ever score points in F1

Er... Katayama? Suzuki? Nakajima? Nakano?

shambles · 15 Feb 2006, 23:36 (Ref:1523910)

To be honest with you guys, I think this is great news. Personally I like Sato - and it's always good to see a fresh face. Plus I love Japan - so i'm naturally quite alligned to this team.

It's very likely that they won't be competitive. Not yet anyway, but you have to admire what they have do at Super Aguri. Ide seems competant enough, he's no Schumacher or Alonso - but from what i've heard/seen he can drive a racing car.

As for Sato - well, I firmly believe that under the crazy exterior - therein lies a good driver. I think he's a little gem, a character - and F1 needs him. Relational to his compatriots, he is probably the best Grand Prix driver Japan has ever produced. On his day, he can be amazing.

neilap · 16 Feb 2006, 00:04 (Ref:1523923)

Sato has a lot of heart I just question his ability. Being fast once in awhile does not cut it. Consistency is more important, especially if the team is to progress.

I am definitely hoping they do well. I want them to beat Midland!!

shambles · 16 Feb 2006, 00:11 (Ref:1523927)

Yeah I what your saying there neilap. He does need to hone his consistancy, but - I think with Aguri he'll be able to do it. He has a lot less pressure on him, when you consider his teams pedigree, and the only problem he could potentially encounter - is if Ide shows him up a bit. I don't think that'll happen, but - I suppose it could.

Yeah I definately agree with you about wanting them to stick it to Midland.

**Bononi** · 16 Feb 2006, 00:58 (Ref:1523946)

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcus

how is sato the most succesfull japanese driver ever ???

not questioning (ok I am) but just confused as to how or where that statement came from ?

I guess he is. Before him, Ukio Katayama was the most successful with 5 points... IIRC

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