Archive for the ‘aguri suzuki’ Category
Super Aguri leaves Formula 1
On Tuesday May 6th, Aguri Suzuki finally had enough – he finally gave up the ghost of a Formula 1 team. After two-and-a-half being propped up by Honda, Super Aguri have decided to opt out of the formula. Following a main sponsor defaulting late in 2007, 2008 was always going to be a struggle and when they announced that they couldn’t test during winter, everyone knew that their demise would be soon. During the early part of this year, the team were in talks with Magma Group for a possible buy out, but when Magma suddenly pulled out in April the writing was on the wall. There was talk of a rushed deal being put in place by a German corporation, but in their heart of hearts, Honda knew they would end up bailing them out too.
While many talk about how sad it is that a team with plenty of heart has disappeared, little has been said of its two main drivers. Takuma Sato (who I simply do not rate at all) will probably get himself a cushy test-role and possibly a race seat with Honda next year (the advantages of being a Japanese driver in a Japanese team), but Anthony Davison (who is a little better) will most like find himself out in the cold – I can’t see him getting another seat in Formula 1.
The Super Aguri team leave Formula 1 owing Honda a reported $50 million following low price engines, free technical help and the occasional (cash orientated) helping hand over a 34 month period. And then were just ten teams left…
Gah,
Leigh
