China: Engine blow costs Takuma 10 places

By Phil Huff (25/09/2004)
September 29 2004

BAR Honda suffered a set back in the first day of practice at the new Shanghai circuit in China, as Takuma Sato's car suffered a terminal engine failure.

The failure means that the Japanese driver must now start the race 10 places behind his qualifying position, meaning he's realistically likely to line up about 14th on Sunday morning.

"It has been a very disappointing first day for me because we had an engine failure on the out-lap of the second session, which means I haven't had the opportunity to complete a timed lap and I will have to move back 10 places from my qualifying position tomorrow," said a frustrated Takuma Sato. "We have lost crucial running time and we have a lot of work to do to prepare for tomorrow morning. Hopefully we can deliver a good qualifying position despite the penalty."

Team principal David Richards said "Taku's engine failure was disappointing for him, but I know that Honda are continually extending the boundaries of performance, and we must be prepared for the unexpected."

"Obviously a mixed day," said Honda's Shuhei Nakamoto. "Our latest engine spec has helped us to P1 and 2 but we have suffered an engine failure on Takuma's car. We have looked competitive in both sessions so I am optimistic for tomorrow."

The image used in this article was provided by pitpass.com and is used with permission.