Anthony Davidson Q&A

The British driver gives his reaction to Super Aguri's F1 withdrawal.

Tuesday's announcement of the withdrawal of Super Aguri from the 2008 Formula One World Championship ends, for the time being at least, Anthony Davidson's stint as a Grand Prix driver. Having made his F1 debut for Minardi back in 2002, the Briton then made a name for himself as a test driver for the BAR-Honda team. Davidson's speed often caught the eye in Friday practice during the 2004 season - the year BAR-Honda finished second only to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship. Despite making another race start the following season, Davidson continued in his Honda testing role until the end of 2006, when he finally got a full-time race seat at Super Aguri. Partenering Takuma Sato in 2007, Davidson more often than not got the better of the Japanese star during qualifying - his flying lap at last year's Turkish Grand Prix - which placed him 11th on the grid (six places ahead of his team-mate) - certainly being one to remember. And, with Super Aguri's exit from the F1 scene coming just days ahead of this year's visit to Istanbul Park, Davidson has stressed that he has "unfinished business in Formula One". Q: Ant, what was your initial reaction when you heard the news about the team? Anthony Davidson: It wasn't a complete shock as we have all known how difficult things have been, but I'm obviously really disappointed that the team is unable to see out the rest of the season and beyond, and gutted not just for myself but for all the guys at the factory who have worked so hard. Q: Have you spoken to the team since the news broke? AD: Yes, I spoke to my engineer and a few people at the team this morning, and I have been at the factory in Leafield today. Q: Looking over your time at the team, what have been the best moments, and the worst, other than our recent news? AD: There have been a lot of good moments - being on the grid in Melbourne for the first time last year having waited so long for a race drive, and some very strong qualifying performances would be among my favourites. The worst moment was hearing that the team was withdrawing, and of course the infamous ground hog (Davidson collided with the errant creature whilst running third in last year's Canadian Grand Prix) which cost me a top five result... Q: What do you think made SAF1 TEAM so special? AD: It was a small team, but with a lot of passion. The team has always worked incredibly hard, and I think this year the guys showed great dedication and loyalty to keep fighting especially given the uncertainty over the future. Q: What is in store for you now? AD: After several years as a test driver in F1 I'm glad that I had the chance to show that I can race and to prove my speed, and I'm grateful to the team and Honda for the opportunity. Although it's a difficult time of the year to find an alternative option as most plans are finalised and the season is well underway, I'm glad I took the opportunity to compete again this year and strongly believe that I have unfinished business in Formula One. Q: And finally Ant, SAF1 Team fans in their thousands have sent messages of good will and support to the team in Leafield. Do you have a message for the SAF1 Team fans around the world? AD: The SAF1 TEAM fans have always been brilliant and I would like to thank them for their incredible support. The many messages that we have received have been very much appreciated.