Caught up in the fall-out from Aguri Suzuki's decision to pull the plug on his eponymous Formula One team,
Anthony Davidson finds himself back on the sidelines just four races into his second full season.
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 which cost me a top five result...
Q:
What do you think made SA
F1 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.
