Formula One news

Ant under pressure to improve quali pace

Super Aguri technical director Mark Preston expects Anthony Davidson to up his game in qualifying. Davidson's team-mate Takuma Sato has out-qualified the 25-year-old 5-4 so far this season, despite Davidson's often strong practice pace. Preston feels that both the driver and the team have made mistakes at crucial times, which have to be ironed out.

Preston said: "Part of that process is working with Anthony (Davidson) to achieve a more consistent qualifying position. He has the speed to get through into Q2 and various mistakes made on both sides of the pit wall have meant that we have not delivered every time. This is an important focus."

Preston said that he wants the young Brit to start qualifying more consistently so that the team can continue scoring points. The team impressively has four points to its name so far this season - all of which belong to its other driver Takuma Sato. Davidson has failed to finish in the top ten let alone trouble the scorers, although he has suffered from some bad luck.

Preston said: "It has become fairly obvious to us that unless you start in the Q2 section of the grid, in a position between eleven and fourteen to be exact, there is not much chance of scoring points unless there is an act of God! However, from this position on the grid a number of teams have proved that it is possible. The top teams do make it difficult to score points though due to their reliability."

Preston hinted that Davidson has struggled to adjust to the increased demands of being a race driver but believes that 'Ant', as he is known in the paddock, is settling in well at the team.

He added: "Obviously it has been a big step going from testing to racing; we saw this last year with Franck Montagny when he joined our team. He is fitting in with the team well, which takes time as the majority of us have been working together for a year."

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams

Homepage