Super Aguri Withdraw From Formula One

Super Aguri F1 Team have officially withdrawn from Formula One after a series of financial problems and failed attempts to save the team.

The team, which joined F1 in 2006 have withdrawn with immediate effect.

Magma Group looked set to help the ailing team, who were lacking finances after the 2007 title sponsor did not pay their advertising fees.  Their attempt fell through at the last hurdle, and after Honda claimed they could not support two teams, Weigl Group tried to buy Aguri but it was not a good enough offer.

Official Statement From Aguri Suzuki himself:

“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.”

“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.”

Honda’s Statement read:

“Honda has continued to support the team as much as possible but Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal has come to Honda and expressed his decision to withdraw from Formula One as he is not capable of establishing a foundation for independent operation of the team,”

“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.”

What a terrible shame to see another team leave.  Only last week, i commented to a friend that i felt Aguri had become like Prost, a former racer who looked to be on the right track losing out because of a lack of sponsorship.  The biggest question now is, who is going to fill the extra place?  Prodrive didn’t start, so F1 has 2 empty spots.

Look Out for a special article on SUPER AGURI – coming soon!