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Team Delighted With Result |
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Written by Mark Talbot
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Wednesday, 11 October 2006 |
After the bitter disapointment of the Chinese disqualification, the SAF1 team, and especially Taku, are delighted with a great result in front of the home crowd.
I had the opportunity to hear Taku thanking the whole team over the radio as he finished the race - and the joy in his voice was very clear. Then he lapped Suzuka, clapping the fans as a thank you. So intent on enjoying the moment and thanking the fans, that he almost missed the pit lane (as reported by a friend in C stand).
Although not his highest finish (Melbourne), and not even his toughest race (Turkey?) it was clearly a very important race for him. Last year's Suzuka had not gone well and this year had to be different. This was the last Suzuka for a while, and he had to do something special.
The atmoshpere was electric all weekend - a first time for the whole circuit to be sold out! I suspect that there were a few more than the official count - as others made there way in using the usual by-passes and shortcuts. Everywhere was packed. It was something to behold.
Taku's drive didn't disapoint, it was fast and well controlled. The strategy was fluid, in that the team could call for a swap of options as the race developed - this isn't always possible but they set things up perfectly this time around. The pitcrew did their job well and Taku was in and out swiftly. Sadly a fueling rig problem meant Sakon having to re-pit straight after his first ... a costly fault which I have yet to hear the cause of.
As Taku crossed the finish line to take the cheers of the pitcrew hanging over the wall, the whole of Suzuka cheered. Our man had come home ahead of a Torro-Rosso and an Spyker! We were very happy. Two Spyker fans came down the grandstand to congratulate us, and praise Taku's race. Sweet.
Taku is very upbeat - the team are exhausted but also upbeat ... Bring on Brazil and another chance for Taku to lift the team off the bottom of the table. Go Taku!
(more to follow in a few days after I have finished enjoying myself in Japan)
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Last Updated ( Friday, 20 October 2006 )
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