Takuma Sato has hailed Super Aguri's seventh place in the Constructors' Championship as a "gift," but one the team has worked hard for.
Japanese team handed constructors' boost ahead of home race
Takuma Sato has hailed Super Aguri's seventh place in the constructors' championship as a "gift," but one the team has worked hard for.
With three races remaining, the Japanese team had sat eighth in the teams' table having scored four points.
However, Super Aguri were given a boost up the order when McLaren opted not to appeal their exclusion from the constructors' championship last Friday.
"I could not have expected this 'gift' result!" said Sato, who has scored all four of Super Aguri's 2007 points in the Spanish and Canadian grands prix.
"It is the hard work by our team and great racing from the other F1 teams that has made this happen
"We have gone beyond our expectations, but we were always aiming high following our 10th position result in Brazil last year.
"We came into this season with high motivation and I am so pleased that we have achieved our target."
Home race
The Japanese driver is now looking forward to his home Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend at the Fuji Speedway for the first time since 1977.
"I am excited to be going back to Japan and to see this new generation of racing emerging," said Sato.
"I have never raced in Fuji except when I was cycling, but this is a very famous circuit and its 1.5 kilometre long straight with heavy braking at the end could provide some great overtaking opportunities.
"Fuji has always provided exciting racing in other categories, so I am sure that we shall have a great Formula One grand prix."
