Anthony Davidson is no stranger to the commentary having made guest appearances at the British and European rounds of the championship last year. In 2006, while on testing duties for Honda, Davidson joined James Allen in the commentary box for the Hungarian Grand Prix while regular commentator Martin Brundle was absent. Of course, the 2006 race at the Hungaroring went down in history as Jenson Button’s maiden victory. It was also Honda’s first race victory since returning to the sport, making the event even sweeter for Anthony.

Commentating gives me the chance to explain what it feels like to drive an F1 car to the limit, and to share the inside view on all of the demands that a driver faces over the weekend. Anthony Davidson.

It will be a great shame not to see Anthony driving, and as Formula One hypes the many younger talent coming through the ranks, it seems as though Davidson’s chance to race at the top of the motor-sporting ladder is getting slimmer and slimmer. It will be a pleasure to hear Davidson’s insights into the grand prix, and alongside David Croft, BBC Radio 5 Live have a strong team. It will though, be bitter sweet, as Davidson really should be the one the commentators are talking about, not with.

Image &copy HondaF1.

Original article by BlogF1.

Anthony Davidson Swaps Steering Wheel For Microphone

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

Sato had entered Formula One with lots of promise, initially getting a drive with the now rebranded Jordan outfit back in 2002. Takuma quickly developed a reputation for throwing the car off the road, but a second chance with BAR Honda in 2004 emphasised the team’s faith in him. That and the marketing dream of running a Japanese driver in a predominantly Japanese team.

When Honda decided to sign experienced driver Rubens Barrichello for 2006 though, the fans were quick to criticise Honda and thus the B-Team was founded by popular ex-Formula One pilot Aguri Suzuki. In essence, the team came to being in order to help Sato and keep the peace with the passionate Asian fans.

In his time at Super Aguri, Sato did quite well with the under-performing car, 2007 being the team’s most competitive season in their short history. Takuma Sato scored all the team’s points that year, claiming one in Spain and three in Canada. The Tokyo-born driver has also enjoyed relative success with the much better funded BAR Honda team, earning 34 points in 2004. However, in comparison to his team mate that year, the points he accrued pale somewhat. Jenson Button scored 85 during the ‘04 campaign, including 10 visits to podium, 9 more than Sato.

On a good day, Sato can be a quick, competitive and tenacious racer. His move on then-reigning champion Fernando Alonso in Canada last year was not a stand-out pass, but in the circumstances it was bold and poignant. However, on other days Sato can be ragged, unpolished and look like a rookie. There have been unfounded suggestions that Sato’s driving style led to a lot of engine failures while he was at Honda and many people have questioned his ability over the years.

There have been rumours circulating around the paddocks at recent races that Sato maybe lining himself up to replace Nelson Piquet Jr. at Renault. The Brazilian rookie has endured a disastrous start to his career with the Enstone-based team, and Renault chiefs have been openly critical, although also supportive of their driver’s efforts. To be honest I feel there is little chance of Takuma getting a race seat this year; Renault aside the teams look fairly stable on the driver front.

However, Sato was in Monaco last weekend to let people know that he wasn’t ready to retire and has been trying to get his foot in some team doors. Stating that he doesn’t want to retire and that he’s received offers from outside of Formula One, Sato also admitted that he’s had no firm proposals from the current grid of squads.

I do not want to retire but at the moment I do not know in what way I will be coming back. Takuma Sato.

So, what do we think of Takuma Sato? Has he become Formula One’s latest reject, or can he bounce back from the sidelines?

Image © HondaF1.

Original article by BlogF1.

Does Takuma Sato Deserve Another Drive In Formula One?

We can’t afford to lose teams and I think they [Super Aguri] showed a lot of character, a lot of effort in the last couple of years but circumstances prevailed and they were not able to carry on. It was a shame they could not find the funding to continue.

What I saw was Nick [Fry] making big efforts at time to keep the project alive, beyond any reason for us, it was because of the connection of Aguri with Honda. Nick did a lot of work to try and find a viable solution for Aguri. Ross Brawn.

Currently, Ross runs the Honda Formula One operation. He has done so since late last year and arrived at Brackley after a decade of limelight-basking in Maranello. So when his current employer gets caught up in the possible failure of its satellite team, you’d think, being experienced and all, he might get involved. For sure, he wouldn’t be able to devote much time to the cause, but you would think he would have concerns. But really, we don’t know if Brawn does or does not. And this is because he has hardly uttered a word about Super Aguri since this all kicked off.

When Brawn arrived at Honda, he stated he would be making small, minor changes to help the team initially. Ross’s approach is very methodical and concise. I suspect the man has a very large checklist somewhere (perhaps in his head) that he goes through, even for the simplest of tasks. And I’m starting to wonder if the removal of Super Aguri from Honda’s bank balance was one of those things on his list. Admittedly, this isn’t a small, minor change. But it would help Brawn in his job if he was given more of a budget to play with (remember, he’s used to blank cheques from Fiat) and was able to solely focus on the efforts of his own team, both on track and politically in the background.

If, and that is quite possibly the second-largest ‘if’ I’ve made on this site, Ross was the reason behind Super Aguri receiving substantially less support this year, then I have a lot of respect for the man. Not because he’s removed a bottom-of-the-grid team from championship (that loses respect), but because he would have managed to do it and get all targets pointing at Nick Fry while he can freely walk around the media saying how sad it all is.

Whether Brawn was a key Honda-side player in the demise of Super Aguri or not, we will never likely know, and Aguri Suzuki appears to be very annoyed with Nick Fry at the moment, so maybe I am reading between the lines too much. But you have to admit, if Brawn was involved, he did well to save face and dodge bullets.

Image courtesy of HondaF1.

Original article by BlogF1.

Is Aguri Suzuki Upset With The Wrong Man?

The administrators are hoping to sell the business as an ongoing concern, and are looking for somebody who can come along and use the existing facilities, staff and equipment to launch their own motor sport related company.

This Administration provides a unique opportunity to get into high-level motorsport without having to build an operation from scratch. In terms of capability a new team could easily be up and running for the 2009 Formula One season.

Virtually everything is in place including the people, the technical expertise, the laboratories and testing facilities. A new team could walk in and take over a fully operational unit from day one. There are a number of other motor sport projects being undertaken which should interest the motor racing world. Philip Long, Joint Administrator.

Now I admit I know nothing about administration, but isn’t this exactly what Aguri Suzuki has been trying to do all year? The only difference is perhaps the debt to Honda has been cleared, but I do not know that for certain. It is interesting that Philip Long is really trying to sell the business on as it is, but clearly doesn’t fully understand how hard it would be to continue the team in Formula One. The Leafield factory isn’t really that well equipped any more to design and build a chassis, which is what a new team would have to do from 2010 onwards. I think “easily up and running for the 2009 season” is a tad optimistic, especially considering that Aguri eventually failed, which is why this opportunity has arisen.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Put Into Administration

I don’t understand how suddenly Nick Fry needs to be commenting on everything. Honda were our backers and he’s not the CEO of Honda. I have no interest in Nick Fry whatsoever and have no idea what he was talking about. Aguri Suzuki, speaking after he announced the end of Super Aguri.

While Fry has been spouting off his opinion on matters that don’t entirely concern him, his focus on his team has clearly dwindled. The fact that Honda took a beating last year probably made the Honda executives stand up and take notice of what their millions of dollars are actually being spent on. The fact that a nobody-in-comparison (Super Aguri) can come along and wipe the floor with the Goliath (Honda) for the best part of a year probably did Fry’s reputation no good whatsoever. Before this though, the team had gone through other difficulties, being banned for three races due to an illegal fuel-tank is a prime example of this.

Many folk on the internet feel that the acquisition of Ross Brawn to the team has temporarily saved Fry from receiving the boot earlier. But with Brawn heading up the Formula One operation, what are Honda paying Fry to do exactly? Talk about other teams in a demeaning way? Smile for the cameras and divert attention away from the poorly performing RA107 and RA108? Smooth-talk Jenson Button into staying with the team each time his contract comes up for renewal…?

I’m sure Fry does a lot with Honda, but given how the Super Aguri issue was handled, I’m wondering if Honda aren’t now thinking of other ways to save a bit of cash.

Image courtesy of Honda.

Original article by BlogF1.

Is Nick Fry About To Find Himself Unemployed?

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

In an interview on his website, Sato (the man who had the team essentially built for him) speaks about the worries and concerns of his immediate future, but is also confident Weigl can offer a decent deal that will see Honda get their money and the team survive. Not everyone feels this is quite so straight-forward, but I guess Sato has to toe the corporate line for now.

I have no idea why this [prevention of accessing Istanbul paddock] has happened as I understood that no decision has been made by Honda yet and that a decision will be made in the next few days about whether we will be able to race or not. I heard that FOM was told that we are not racing so they wont let the trucks in but I don’t understand why they have been told this when no decision has been made yet.

As everyone knows now, the recent DIC investment with the Magma Group failed right at the last moment, which has created a huge problem for the team. Everyone thought this deal was going to happen and I had spent a lot of time with Magma and was excited about their plans to develop the team. So I was very disappointed that it didn’t happen and it was only with great support from Honda that we were able to race at Barcelona. It is worth mentioning that it is only just over a week since this deal collapsed, a deal everyone thought was basically done. So for Aguri-san and the rest of the SAF1 management to try to find a new solution in a week is almost impossible.

Obviously Honda has always been central to the whole Super Aguri team. We have always worked so closely together and I understand that they are in a difficult position right now due to DIC letting everyone down at the last minute, but I hope they will be able to continue the fighting spirit and give the team some more time to get the new investment in place. We have showed over the past two years how efficient we can be as a very little team and given the chance and support I believe we can be very competitive.

We need Honda support more then ever now and I am just hoping that they will be able to find a satisfactory solution. Honda are famous for their Racing Spirit and I am sure this will not desert them now. Takuma Sato.

Sato went on to say in his interview that he doesn’t like thinking about what could happen should the Weigl deal not be accepted by Honda, and the Japanese driver intends to focus on the upcoming Turkish Grand Prix. Assuming that is, he is allowed entry.

It’s interesting that Sato still thinks Honda will pour money into the squad. Perhaps he is being publicly upbeat in the hopes that it will rub off on Honda chiefs, or that they will face ridicule if they do not concede to Sato’s wishes. Unfortunately, it would appear that things have moved past this and Honda are seemingly okay at dealing with embarrassment at the moment. Having the Aguri trucks parked up on the outskirts of Istanbul Park cannot be doing the brand any good, but as Aguri are only really known within motor-sporting circles, the news isn’t getting into the mainstream media too much.

Images courtesy of Honda and Super Aguri.

Original article by BlogF1.

Sato Pleads While Honda Decide

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

Magma, who are headed by former president of Ford Europe Martin Leach, had negotiated around 80% of the funds necessary to buy Aguri from Dubai International Capital, but they have since pulled out citing a lack of a clear commercial agreement for the future of Formula One and the insistence that customer cars will longer be allowed in the near future as reason for the decision.

Nick Fry’s words do sound like a man who is willing to bend.

Honda in my opinion have done the maximum possible to support the Super Aguri team.

It was never Honda’s intention to fully fund two Formula One teams but Honda have been incredibly supportive over the last two years of Super Aguri. But they do need to find funding of their own.

We have been engaged almost full time in the last few weeks trying to find a solution and I hope that it’s going to be a happy ending to the story, but at this stage that certainly can’t be guaranteed. Nick Fry.

However, the latest news in the Spanish paddock is that Aguri have been able to re-negotiate a deal with Magma, but currently nobody is confirming anything. It was reported earlier in the week that Super Aguri were looking for around the $100m mark for the team, almost all of which would go straight back to Honda has repayment for the debt owed.

Hopefully enough can be done for Aguri to race this weekend and the rest of the year. The team have until Friday to work something out, presumably the start of Friday Free Practice is indeed that time.

Original article by BlogF1.

Honda Not Keen On Bailing Out Super Aguri

McLaren had been given spot five on the pit lane for the first three races of the season, but a letter from Max Mosley urging Bernie Ecclestone to stay true to his previous way of ordering things meant that McLaren have now been squeezed in at the other end. However, McLaren appear to be taking it well and said at the time that it didn’t really bother them. Presumably they had been expecting this since September last year when they were thrown out of the constructors championship – the reason why the move around for the Woking team.

Guests of McLaren got to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of their Brand Centre, a huge construction that dominates the far end of the paddock. The team’s head of Communications and Public Relations and former editor of F1 Racing publication, Matt Bishop, said that the afternoon went well and the vibe was friendly.

The lads and lasses of Super Aguri and Force India are a great bunch, so we thought we’d invite them round for a cup of tea and a few slices of cake. About 20 people from each team turned up, and the vibe was really friendly. Matt Bishop.

Anthony Davidson also enjoyed his time in the temporary building, although being a racing driver who is hoping to be in action this weekend, stuck to the apple juice.

It was the first time I’d been inside the famous ‘Brand Centre’, and I was very impressed. And the apple juice was delicious – I gather it’s produced to Ron Dennis’s personal specification. Anthony Davidson.

I hear on the grapevine that next on Ron’s list is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme with once-fortnightly meetings.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri & Force India Enjoy Tea At Ron’s Expense

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 today announced that a deal that would have seen the team sold to a Middle Eastern company has fallen through, sending waves of doubt through the Formula One community and potentially resulting in the Japanese squad having to stay at home on the weekend of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Also facing questionable status, although not just yet, is Red Bull’s second team, Scuderia Toro Rosso. Company owner Dietrich Mateschitz has said that the team is going up for sale after the 2008 season is complete, principally because he doesn’t want his company to pay out the extra funds required to design and build their own car.

So, why are the FIA insisting that the formula returns to a traditional constructor series, as opposed to teams buying chassis from other squads? It’s mainly to keep the peace. Williams have been very outspoken over the whole affair and have threatened to take chassis-buyers to court over the matter. And to a degree, you have to understand Williams’s point. The privateer team who have been struggling financially in the past few years (comparably, anyway) still build their own car, pushing the boundaries and innovating new ideas.

But the flip side of the argument, and the point of this post, is that Formula One could end up facing an eighteen car grid next year. Losing Super Aguri and STR would be a very low point for the sport, especially after Dave Richards’ Prodrive entry went to the dogs in early 2008. Fewer teams would mean fewer fans, less competition on the track and no point in me owning a Super Aguri t-shirt.

As far as I’m concerned, Formula One activated the self-destruct sequence when they ruled that customer chassis would no longer be allowed. In an ideal world, every team would have their own, uniquely designed car. But this isn’t the ideal world, and the FIA have failed to appreciate that.

As I said in the title, Formula One’s self destruct sequence has been initiated.

Original article by BlogF1.

Self Destruct Sequence Two-Zero-Zero-Nine Activated

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

Originally it was an Indian backer that was thought to be injecting some cash, but that would mean Anthony Davidson being replaced with Narain Karthikeyan or Karun Chandhok. Then came the stern voice of Honda again, insisting that Davidson retain his seat because of the good he does for the family. Since then all sorts of rumours have been flying around, none of which have made it to official-dom yet.

But Aguri are in Melbourne, which means they will likely start the 2008 season at least. How far they make only time will, but they are there, fighting as ever.

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri Arrive In Melbourne

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

The twenty-fifth photograph to feature in BlogF1’s caption contest. You know the drill, think of something funny and witty to say and leave it as a comment below.

Original article by BlogF1.

Caption Contest: #25

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

On Wednesday, Andreas Zuber left the Super Aguri garage in the RA107, Honda’s 2007 chassis. The Aguri team famously used the RA106 chassis during the ‘07 campaign, sparking off the customer car row along with with STR. However, while Honda are developing the RA107 under the watchful eye of Ross Brawn, they could essentially be doubling their mileage by trying out some new components on the Honda, and different components on the Aguri.

It isn’t known if this is what is happening, but some members of the paddock have noted that just changing the decals on the car does not make it different. And quite rightly, they’re questioning Honda’s testing mileage and whether or not the two teams are keeping to the spirit of the sport and the agreements made within.

Is this clever thinking on Honda’s part, a load of nonsense that won’t make too much of a difference? Or is this a serious breach of trust between the teams; what do you think? Should the mileage limit be changed to accommodate different chassis? As in, the teams are allowed to test each chassis for a set number of miles rather than one blanket statement over the whole team for the year? Or should they all be allow to run merry throughout the season and winter racking up as many miles as they dare? Have your say below in the comments.

Original article by BlogF1.

Are Honda Testing The Limits Of The Rules?

Even though we have substantial manufacturing capability, to turn out two teams’ worth of cars in time for round one just would not be possible. Consequently, the cars that we test between now and the end of the year will be different. They’ll be doing things differently from us.

We’ll spend the rest of the year giving some time to some of our younger drivers, working on the McLaren ECU – but not continuing to develop this [current] car. It’s not too responsive to treatment. We’ve worked with this car enough now to know that we can’t learn much more from this concept. Nick Fry, Honda.

At the moment it looks easier to start next year with this year’s model. We are reviewing the situation for next year right now, but we are not yet 100 percent certain what we will do. Franz Tost, STR.

Formula One, F1, Super Aguri, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Honda, Red Bull Racing

Original article by BlogF1.

Super Aguri & Toro Rosso Have To Wait For 2008 Cars