The Super Aguri team made its public test debut on Tuesday morning when Takuma Sato took the SA05 for some installation laps at Barcelona.

The Japanese driver shook down the car, a modified version of the Arrows A23 raced in 2002, at the Kemble airfield in Gloucestershire last week, but today marked its first public appearance at a circuit.

It wasn’t a wholly successful baptism as the car hit trouble on its third lap, stopping on track and bringing out the first red flag of the week.

The car was towed back to the pits and the team worked to cure the problem over the lunch break.

Although Sato returned to action in the afternoon, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and then the hyraulic problem manifested itself once again.

"The priority of this test was to begin track testing of the SA05 systems – including electronics, hydraulics and brakes," said chief technical officer Mark Preston.

"Although our reliability was not great today, it is the reason why we are here, to test and sort these kinds of problems out.

"This morning's running was cut short due to a small hydraulic problem which was soon rectified.

"However, in the rain-drenched afternoon, Taku spun at the hairpin, with no damage to the car, while experimenting with new traction control software.

"This afternoon's running was cut short by a similar problem to the one we had this morning.

"We will now be working overnight and are hoping for a successful day's running tomorrow when we start our tyre programme for Bahrain."

Super Aguri is expected to test at Barcelona for three days, with Sato handing over to rookie team-mate Yuji Ide tomorrow and the pair sharing driving duties on Thursday.

Hmm the car hit trouble then did it Taku.....  yeap very  true.....when you got in the seat and got the engineers to  start the  engine !!!