Peter McCool, chief designer at Super Aguri said the team bit off more than it should have done at last week's Barcelona test, with a raft of changes which could not all be fully tested because the weather disrupted proceedings.
The following is an interview conducted by the team.
Peter, as we head to Europe, how do you rate Super Aguri F1 team's performance in the first three races?
Peter McCool: I am pleased that we have been able to continue our rate of performance increase from last year to this. This season we are most definitely not last. That vindicates our determined approach to improve performance. Getting in to Q3 of the qualifying session in Melbourne was an unexpected reward for all our hard work.
What developments did you run at the Barcelona test? PMcC: In true SAF1 Team style we bit off more than we should have done. We have introduced a new carbon gearbox and a comprehensive aero package that includes a revised floor, a new chicken, chimney, T-wing and a whole new rear wing package. It was a shame that the bad weather precluded us from fully optimising this package for the forthcoming race. But I am confident that the hard work of the Aero and Design departments will be repaid with a good race result. How do you think SAF1 Team will perform over the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend?
PMcC: Our goal this year is to score points. It would be great if we managed to achieve that this weekend.
Who do you consider to be SAF1 Team's closet rival? PMcC: It would be easy to look at our nearest on-track rivals and their budgets and be disheartened. I just want to focus on our performance and nothing else.
We know that the team's goal for the season is to finish within the Top 10 of the Championship. What is your personal goal for 2007?
PMcC: We have a very small Aero and Design team that has worked very hard to get where we are. I hope that we continue to punch above our weight for the rest of the season. Getting points and finishing within the Top 10 is also my personal goal.
Peter, as we head to Europe, how do you rate Super Aguri F1 team's performance in the first three races?
Peter McCool: I am pleased that we have been able to continue our rate of performance increase from last year to this. This season we are most definitely not last. That vindicates our determined approach to improve performance. Getting in to Q3 of the qualifying session in Melbourne was an unexpected reward for all our hard work.
What developments did you run at the Barcelona test? PMcC: In true SAF1 Team style we bit off more than we should have done. We have introduced a new carbon gearbox and a comprehensive aero package that includes a revised floor, a new chicken, chimney, T-wing and a whole new rear wing package. It was a shame that the bad weather precluded us from fully optimising this package for the forthcoming race. But I am confident that the hard work of the Aero and Design departments will be repaid with a good race result. How do you think SAF1 Team will perform over the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend?
PMcC: Our goal this year is to score points. It would be great if we managed to achieve that this weekend.
Who do you consider to be SAF1 Team's closet rival? PMcC: It would be easy to look at our nearest on-track rivals and their budgets and be disheartened. I just want to focus on our performance and nothing else.
We know that the team's goal for the season is to finish within the Top 10 of the Championship. What is your personal goal for 2007?
PMcC: We have a very small Aero and Design team that has worked very hard to get where we are. I hope that we continue to punch above our weight for the rest of the season. Getting points and finishing within the Top 10 is also my personal goal.