Super Aguri withdraws from the 2008 F1 Championship.

Ed · Post by Ed » Tue May 06, 2008 5:25 pm

Following months of speculation, the Super Aguri Formula 1 team has withdrawn from the 2008 Formula 1 Championship due to financial difficulties.

A statement released by the team read:

Super Aguri Formula One Team has today announced its withdrawal from the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Participating in Formula One since the 2006 season, the Team, which scored its first championship points after only 22 races (Spanish Grand Prix, 2007) and finished ninth overall in the 2007 Constructors’ Championship, will cease all activities as of 6th May 2008.

Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal, SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM

In order to realize 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 2 years and 4 months as the SUPER AGURI F1 TEAM, but regretfully I must inform you that the team will be ceasing its racing activities as of today.

The team has competed against the many car manufacturer backed teams and has succeeded in obtaining the first points after only the 22nd race finishing in 9th 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.

Related:

Fry worked to topple Aguri rescue - Weigl

Minardi feels sorry for Super Aguri plight

Aguri Suzuki slams Honda's Nick Fry

'Exhausted' Suzuki says F1 ownership dream over

Super Aguri pull out of formula one

Suzuki 'can't believe' Turkey lockout

Sato 'surprised' by Istanbul lockout

Source says Fry ordered Super Aguri lockout

Aguri future 'in Honda's hands' - Weigl

Honda's Fry says Weigl deal 'unlikely'

Super Aguri hopes Honda accepts Weigl buyout

Super Aguri future still unclear

jido · Post by **jido** » Tue May 06, 2008 5:45 pm

Sorry to see you go, Super Aguri. I have great respect for what you accomplished in that time you were in the championship.

mlittle · Post by **mlittle** » Wed May 07, 2008 11:36 am

Farewell, Super Aguri........it was nice seeing you on the grid.....and after reading the first story listed in the first post on this thread, the thought keeps popping up, "Who made Nick Fry the boss at Honda?"

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:42 pm

Agree with all here, it is sad to see Super Aguri go.

Could it be that certain people in the Honda F1 team wanted to ensure their demise so that people high up in Honda won't question why Super Aguri is spending a fraction of what the Honda team is spending yet their results are similar!!

As for Nick Fry, I am amazed that he is still there. Last year's disaster should have been enough to fire him.

Ed · Post by Ed » Thu May 08, 2008 12:50 am

The Super Aguri team released the following Q&A on behalf of Anthony Davidson.

Q&A WITH ANTHONY DAVIDSON, SAF1 TEAM DRIVER 2007-2008

Q: Ant, what was your initial reaction when you heard the news about the team?

Anthony Davidson: It wasn't a complete shock as we have all known how difficult things have been, but I'm obviously really disappointed that the team is unable to see out the rest of the season and beyond, and gutted not just for myself but for all the guys at the factory who have worked so hard.

Q: Have you spoken to the team since the news broke?

AD: Yes, I spoke to my engineer and a few people at the team this morning, and I have been at the factory in Leafield today.

Q: Looking over your time at the team, what have been the best moments, and the worst, other than our recent news?

AD: There have been a lot of good moments - being on the grid in Melbourne for the first time last year having waited so long for a race drive, and some very strong qualifying performances would be among my favourites. The worst moment was hearing that the team was withdrawing, and of course the infamous ground hog which cost me a top five result...

Q: What do you think made SAF1 TEAM so special?

AD: It was a small team, but with a lot of passion. The team has always worked incredibly hard, and I think this year the guys showed great dedication and loyalty to keep fighting especially given the uncertainty over the future.

Q: What is in store for you now?

AD: After several years as a test driver in F1 I’m glad that I had the chance to show that I can race and to prove my speed, and I’m grateful to the team and Honda for the opportunity. Although it's a difficult time of the year to find an alternative option as most plans are finalised and the season is well underway, I’m glad I took the opportunity to compete again this year and strongly believe that I have unfinished business in Formula One.

Q: And finally Ant, SAF1 Team fans in their thousands have sent messages of good will and support to the team in Leafield. Do you have a message for the SAF1 Team fans around the world?

AD: The SAF1 TEAM fans have always been brilliant and I would like to thank them for their incredible support. The many messages that we have received have been very much appreciated

Ed · Post by Ed » Thu May 08, 2008 3:24 pm

Takuma Sato has issued his own statement following the withdrawl of the Super Aguri team from the Formula 1 Championship. It read:

Statement From Takuma Sato

What can I say except that I am so sad and disappointed that the Super Aguri F1 team has had to withdraw from F1.

I realised that the situation for the team was very difficult but I really hoped that all the parties involved would find a solution. Unfortunately for whatever reasons this has not happened...

With all the problems going on I have just tried to stay optimistic and focus on supporting the team in any way I can.

Super Aguri has always been a small team but with a big heart and mega spirits. Every single person at Leafield did the most amazing job when the team started two and a half years ago by getting us to the grid in just four months, finishing in the top ten in our very first year and scoring four points last season. They are a group of real professionals who can do almost the impossible.

I have massive respect for everything that Aguri san has done for us; he has worked so hard to keep things going. I will also never forget all the team members who have put so much effort into this team and would like to thank them for what was achieved it the short life of the SAF1 team. It is incredible to think that just one year ago we scored our first ever point and the emotion and excitement of that moment has turned to such disappointment just one year on.

At this time I am not sure what will happen next as I have been concentrating all my efforts on racing for SAF1. I will be looking at my options with my manager and will make an announcement once it is appropriate. However, I have no intention to retire from F1. I feel I am driving at the top of my game and want to give so much more to my fans and supporters in Japan and worldwide who have been so incredibly supportive to me during my whole career.

Takuma Sato
8 May 2008

Southernman · Post by **Southernman** » Sat May 10, 2008 4:49 am

Adding my voice to those that are sad to see Super Aguri leave formula 1.

Sometimes the interesting battles are at the lower end of the field with wether teams will get a point in the season or who finishes ahead of other minor teams.

I also supported Minardi when they were racing.