The young Leafield-based team had been punching above its weight in 2007 and with continued support from Honda, it was hoped that the momentum could be carried forward into 2008. Alas, it wasn’t to be and the launch of the new car was postponed. The team then failed to attend the final test sessions of the off-season and it was announced that financial difficulties had meant the team didn’t have many spare parts.

Aguri Suzuki managed to get his team to Australia though and both Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson were on the grid in Melbourne. The drivers had been told to take it easy though and to not take unnecessary risks – each damaged part cost the team money they simply didn’t have. Both drivers failed to finish in Australia, and behind the scenes Suzuki was desperately trying to put a deal together that would save the squad.

Unfortunately for Super Aguri, no matter what they tried, they simply couldn’t get agreement on an investment package, but still the drivers ploughed on, attending the flyaway races and continuing to keep out of trouble on the track. In Malaysia, Sato managed to finish ahead of Adrian Sutil’s Force India, but in Bahrain order was restored as the Aguri pair qualified and finished in the final two places.

By the time the fourth round of the championship came around things were looking very desperate at Leafield. Honda were pulling their support, the Magma deal had fallen through and it seemed every thing and one was against the plucky team from competing. Suzuki had hoped a new deal from the Weigl group might be his answer, but Honda refused, saying that they believed the company didn’t have the necessary funds to support the team.

The team raced in Barcelona, and although the writing was on the wall, the team did not know at the the time that this would be their final race. The result – Super Aguri’s last – was a DNF for Davidson, and a thirteenth (and last) for Sato.

The cars were sent to the Istanbul circuit for the following race, the Turkish Grand Prix, but upon arrival they were refused entry to the grounds because of what was about to happen back in the UK.

On May 6th 2008, Aguri Suzuki announced to the media the withdrawal of his team from the Formula One World Championship. Over the following days and weeks, the company went into administration and the equipment at Leafield was eventually auctioned off. People around the world felt for the team – their competitive spirit and plucky determination attracted many fans – but unfortunately the cheers from the crowds do little to the bank balances.

The 2008 season started with 11 teams and 22 drivers, but ended with only 10 teams and 20 drivers. Super Aguri amassed four points in their short 39-race history and touched the hearts of thousands. But Formula One is a formidable machine that doesn’t stop, and the plight of Aguri’s squad was soon forgotten about in the paddock.

Recommended Reading

• F12008 Super Aguri Preview
• Honda Not Keen On Bailing Out Super Aguri
• Super Aguri Deal Collapses
• Super Aguri Withdraw From Formula One

Original article by BlogF1.

F12008: Super Aguri Fade Into The Background

In order to realise my dream to become an owner of a Formula One team, I applied for a grid position in the FIA Formula One World Championship in November 2005. Since then, I have participated in the championship for two years and four months as the Super Aguri F1 Team, but regretfully I must inform you that the team will cease their racing activities as of today. Aguri Suzuki.

Originally, Suzuki had been negotiating an offer from the Magma Group, headed up by the former president of Ford Europe, Martin Leach. However, Magma’s investors, Dubai International Capital, pulled out at the last minute and left Suzuki high and dry. Since then, German company Weigl had shown interest in buying into the Formula One team, but many suspected they didn’t turn over enough profit to fully fund an operation even of Aguri’s diminutive size. Weigl’s offer was rejected this morning at a meeting with Honda, and now the team have been forced to withdraw.

The team competed against the many car manufacturer-backed teams and have succeeded in obtaining the first points after only the 22nd race finishing in ninth place overall in the 2007 constructors’ championship.

However, the breach of contract by the promised partner SS United Oil & Gas Company resulted in the loss of financial backing and immediately put the team into financial difficulties. Also, the change in direction of the environment surrounding the team, in terms of the use of customer chassis, has affected our ability to find partners.

Meanwhile, with the help of Honda, we have somehow managed to keep the team going, but we find it difficult to establish a way to continue the activities in the future within the environment surrounding F1 and as a result, I have concluded to withdraw from the championship.

I would like to express my deepest thanks to Honda, Bridgestone, the sponsors, all the people who have given us advise during various situations over the past couple of years all the Team Staff who have kept their motivations high and always done their best, Anthony Davidson who has always pushed to the limit despite the very difficult conditions, Takuma Sato who has been with us from the very start and has always fought hard and led the team and lastly our fans from all over the world who have loyally supported the Super Aguri F1 Team. Aguri Suzuki.

As far as I can tell, Suzuki’s cars are still at Honda’s Brackley factory where they were impounded last week, and presumably the transporters currently sitting somewhere outside the Istanbul Park circuit are now heading back to the UK. Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson are now out of jobs and this leaves only three British drivers on the grid (Coulthard, Button and Hamilton) and just one Japanese driver (Nakajima). I would hope that Honda take Davidson back on as a test driver for now, and find a job for Sato as well. Of course, Honda aren’t likely to be obliged to do this, but it was said by Honda that part of any investor’s contract was the retention of Davidson in the team, and Super Aguri was created because of Sato.

Honda had this to say following the announcement from Super Aguri.

The Super Aguri F1 Team’s withdrawal is indeed very disappointing for us but we understand that it was inevitable unless the team could find a way to stand alone by itself in the future.

We would like to express our thankfulness to the Super Aguri F1 Team and all the fans who have supported them for sharing the dreams and fighting together with Honda. Honda Press Statement.

I also presume the Leafield factory, which is leased, now falls to Honda, but the company will undoubtedly be able to do little for the dedicated staff who have shown passion above and beyond through their triumphs and tribulations in running Super Aguri.

Images courtesy of Honda.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Withdraw From Formula One

It seems as though HondaF1 CEO Nick Fry has something to say, and is being quite persistent in saying it.

I am aware that Aguri Suzuki is continuing to look for an investor and we wish him well. Since we have been looking for a partner for over a year, unfortunately, it would seem unlikely that someone appropriate is going to appear in the next 48 hours. Nick Fry.

Pitpass have speculated that Super Aguri owe Honda somewhere around the $100m mark, and that the loan is secured against the factory, cars and other equipment. Today, it emerged that Super Aguri have been refused entry into the Istanbul paddock, and Pitpass believe the Super Aguri cars are being sent to the Honda factory. According to Autosport, the motorhome and spare-parts truck have been refused entry because Fry had told FOM the team wouldn’t be racing in Turkey. Apparently, Super Aguri are parked up somewhere outside the circuit grounds while they wait for further news.

So as Fry doesn’t believe Super Aguri can find an investor has he decided to start recouping the loan? It seems particularly harsh, especially when the team are currently in the process of negotiating a possible deal. But Fry had more to say on the Weigl deal.

It would appear unlikely that a company the size of Weigl is able to support a competitive Formula One team, unless of course there are other partners of which we have not been made aware. Nick Fry.

It sounds to me like Honda really don’t want Super Aguri to sort themselves out and pay back the money they owe. Instead, Honda would rather push Aguri harder until they eventually fall over, and then seize their assets, much like how a bully behaves in the school playground. Considering Super Aguri was originally set up to appease the Japanese fans who were upset when Honda signed Rubens Barrichello instead of Takuma Sato, Honda appear to now be turning their backs on those whom they profess to love so much.

Original article by BlogF1.

What Is Going On Between Honda & Aguri?

It was rumoured last night that Aguri had managed to cobble together a new deal with Magma, who were left high and dry after their investors – Dubai International Capital – pulled out at the last minute. But with both drivers soldiering on, at least the race will have 22 cars on the grid. Interestingly, Sato was able to lap the Montmelo circuit just 0.2s shy of Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Sebastian Vettel this morning, a slight improvement over previous form. Is it possible that Aguri are confident of a deal, and are now less concerned about the Japanese driver trashing the car?

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Will Go To The Ball

For the first three races, both Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato had been ordered to take it easy in the cars, the team being very much aware that they don’t have the money to spend on a re-build should one of them throw it into the scenery. However, while the conservative approach has meant four finishes from the six entered, the Aguri drivers weren’t exactly pushing the cars ahead of them.

Thus, is it worth having Super Aguri on the grid just to make up the numbers? Last year, particularly at races with extraordinary circumstances, Takuma Sato was able to mix it up with the larger teams ahead of him quite well, even passing (at the time) reigning world champion Fernando Alonso in Canada. But to have a team this year just running around at the back of the field, is it really worth it? Is it really what the sport needs?

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Are On Their Way, But Is It Worth It?

Super Aguri F1 Team confirms that it has been informed by Magma Group, the potential purchasers of the team, that its investors no longer wish to fund the intended acquisition.

It is with deep regret that Aguri Suzuki is now forced to consider the future of the team, however negotiations with other parties continue. Aguri Suzuki.

The small outfit was thrown into trouble after Honda announced earlier in the year they no longer wanted to support the squad as they had done for the past two seasons. Suzuki then started to search for investors, but was also requested by Honda to retain Anthony Davidson as a driver. Davidson has been with the Honda family since 2001, testing for the team and eventually being promoted to a full time drive in 2007. However, this insistence on Honda’s part led to the failure of an Indian backed group buying into the squad, as it was said they wanted an Indian driver alongside team-staple Takuma Sato.

With little money left in the pot the Leafield-based team had already missed much of the pre-season testing, and have not turned up at the important Barcelona test this week. It is perfectly possible they may miss the race in a week’s time unless Honda can stump up some cash for spare parts. Aguri Suzuki is reported to be holding talks with Honda to find a practical solution with the motoring giant by the end of this week.

The long term future of the team depends slightly on the short term future, they could however return should they miss any races. At the moment though, it does look quite bleak. Given their improvement during the 2007 season, I feel it would be a great shame to lose Aguri from the grid, as well as Sato and Davidson. The team was essentially founded to help out Sato’s career after he was replaced at Honda by Rubens Barrichello in 2006, and Davidson deserves the drive after spending so many years developing the cars for Honda and previous owners BAR.

With 2009 marking the end of customer chassis in Formula One, the team should be spending time and resources into building a car themselves, but instead it would appear the squad will be focusing on retaining their position in the sport while the employees hope to keep their jobs.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Deal Collapses

Speculation regarding the future of the team went into overdrive following the launch of the Honda RA108 earlier in the year. At the launch it was stated that continued technical support on the level they had given Aguri in the past two years would not likely continue, and that Honda wanted Super Aguri to stand on its own two feet. Combined with sponsorship issues from the 2007 season painted a pretty bleak picture for the small team and Aguri Suzuki was said to be constantly flying around the world trying to drum up support.

I am pleased to announce our new partner and drivers finally at this late stage. I am looking forward to a successful and long lasting collaboration with Magma Group. Aguri Suzuki.

The news that both 2007 drivers will remain is also good; Sato scored the team’s first points last year and Davidson is considered to be a very loyal and capable driver by Honda.

I’m really looking forward to my second season with the Super Aguri F1 Team and to building on what we achieved last year. The testing we have been able to do has gone well and we are continuing to make improvements to the car in conjunction with the new MES system. Anthony Davidson.

Aguri didn’t manage to get to the final group test sessions prior to shipping everything to Melbourne, so the car is likely to struggle in the first few races. However, perhaps with added security later in the season the team can progress with the chassis and hopefully improve.

Image courtesy of Super Aguri.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Saved, Sato & Davidson Remain

Hastily formed in late 2005/early 2006, Super Aguri have gone from strength to strength in their two seasons of racing. With substantial backing from parent company Honda, founder Aguri Suzuki has captured the hearts of Japanese and general Formula One fans alike, proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. However, despite scoring four admirable points in 2007, the team have faced difficulties over the winter and their fate, it seems, rests on the accountants laps as they try and work out a feasible way for the squad to continue.

Assuming they overcome their troubles of finance, the team should be on the 2008 grid, but where will they stand in comparison to their rivals, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Force India? Well, it all comes down to the chassis. For 2007, the team used a modified version of Honda’s 2006 car, the RA106. In direct comparison to the Honda RA107, which the factory team used last year, Super Aguri embarrassed them and held their own until the last part of the year, on occasion out-performing the very company that supports them. In hindsight, this was probably a part of their downfall over the winter. Honda went on record at their launch stating that they were feeling the burden of supporting two teams, their own and Super Aguri, adding pressure to the tiny outfit based at Leafield to find new investors to ease the brunt on Honda’s bank accounts.

The Drivers

When the FIA released the official entry list for 2008, Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson were listed as driving for the Super Aguri team, despite no official confirmation coming from Leafield. This led the squad to quickly rectify the issue and state that they were hoping to retain both drivers but no signature was yet to be printed on a contract. The delay, it would seem, stems from the ongoing issue of investment. Super Aguri are reportedly in talks with an Indian company, but naturally they would like to see an Indian driver in the squad. While Narain Karthikeyan is desperate to return to Formula One, and Karun Chandhock showed promise in a recent Red Bull test, Anthony Davidson really is the best driver currently available. And Takuma Sato is very unlikely to get the boot, seeing as the team was essentially founded for him.

Honda also stated at their launch that would like to see Davidson continue with the team as his experience from testing with BAR Honda, Honda and Super Aguri has really helped the family over the years. And correctly so, the statement is far from wrong. This, I guess, has left Super Aguri in a place currently situated between a rock and a hard place.

The Car

The car, presumably named the SA08, is yet to be launched, further adding to the speculation of troubled water surrounding the team. It was due to be launched on February 19th, a significant improvement over the date for their 2007 car – launched on the Thursday of the first race of the season. The launch is now due to happen in March in the pitlane of the Albert Park circuit, on the Thursday of the first race of the season.

The team does have a 2008 car though, although current information is sparse. We know they have a car because it passed the mandatory FIA crash tests in early February, but how much it resembles the Honda RA107 is not yet known. Hopefully, given the pace of the RA107 and current rules surrounding the use of customer chassis, the SA08 is not a derivative of last years Honda. But even if it is different, the lack of testing and late launch, combined with the financial wranglings apparently affecting the Leafield team, 2008 is going to be a difficult year for the squad.

The Prediction

Honestly, I have no idea. Really, I don’t. In 2006, the team did well to get to all the races. In 2007 they scored a magnificent four points and Sato even overtook eventual world champion Kimi Raikkonen and former world champion Fernando Alonso. It really was a great season for the team. But 2008? They’ll either regress to a point-less year, or they’ll come up trumps and equal their 2007 performance. It really is anybody’s guess.

Original article by BlogF1.

F12008: Super Aguri

Although both drivers were named on the official FIA press statement detailing the entrants for 2008, Super Aguri quickly went on record to state that they were still negotiating contracts.

To ensure that the engineering feedback is consistent, you have got to have people who are of a standard. Anthony is definitely one of the people who is of that standard. I would not personally be convinced that the driver you mentioned [Karthikeyan] would be of an acceptable standard for us.

The intent for 2008 is that Aguri will be on the grid but clearly what Ross [Brawn] and I need to do, and are doing, is ensure that doesn’t detract from our primary job. At this stage, the intent is that they will be on the grid with Honda engines and support. Exactly how much of that support comes from here is being worked on at the moment. Nick Fry.

At the moment we would like to stay with the same drivers. Takuma is the reason why this team exists and Davidson is Honda’s preferred driver. But we are also looking for a strong partner. If they bring a lot of money and they want a driver from wherever, then he has to be good and accepted by the FIA. Daniel Audetto of Super Aguri.

I’m sure Honda will get their way and Davidson will be in an Aguri on the Australian grid, but the future of the team is in question, including the employment of the drivers.

Original article by BlogF1.

Honda Pressure Aguri To Retain Davidson

The team are still negotiating contract extensions with the pair, but continuity is likely to happen as Aguri enter their third season of racing. Legal issues surrounding the chassis pending, of course. The official entry list includes Super Aguri and both Davidson and Sato, the team saying that they opted to list them instead of having the default “To be confirmed” line added.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Hopes To Retain Sato & Davidson