/> “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?

“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 finalized 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 1.”

Q: Fans in their thousands have sent messages of goodwill and support to the team in Leafield. Do you have a message for the fans around the world?

“The 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.”

Conducted and provided by Aguri's press office.