NV85
Nov 01, 2005, 5:36 PM
Super Aguri Honda files F1 entry with the FIA
Former Japanese star driver Aguri Suzuki announced Tuesday he would lead a new Formula One team next season with engines supplied by Honda. Suzuki, 45, said his "Super Aguri Formula 1" had submitted an entry form to the FIA last week.
"I'm filled with the desire to hoist Japan's flag on the podium as a constructor or team," Suzuki, who became in 1990 the first Japanese to score a podium finish in a World Championship round, said. "I have joined many races. If I look at them as mountains, F1 is like climbing Mount Everest. No one knows what will be waiting for us ahead ... but I will do my best," he said.
The team will be based in Langley in Oxfordshire in Britain and use the factory of disbanded Arrows team.
We will use Honda V8 engines but the drivers are undecided," Suzuki told a news conference at Honda headquarters in Tokyo.
Suzuki said Japanese driver Takuma Sato, who was dropped by the BAR Honda team last season, could be one of the drivers. "We are in talks with Mr Takuma Sato and are also negotiating with several other drivers," he said.
Suzuki said the team was also negotiating with possible sponsors as "F1 is a world in which you can never have enough money."
Asked about news reports that Japanese Internet firm Softbank would provide financing, he said: "I would be grateful if such a major, wonderful company becomes our sponsor."
Suzuki also said he wanted to ask Bridgestone to supply tires. Further details of the team will be announced between late January and early February, he said.
While the team has Honda backing, Suzuki denied it was the Japanese automaker's second team, saying Super Aguri Formula 1 was original. Honda will own the BAR Honda team outright next year.
E.A.
Source AFP
Former Japanese star driver Aguri Suzuki announced Tuesday he would lead a new Formula One team next season with engines supplied by Honda. Suzuki, 45, said his "Super Aguri Formula 1" had submitted an entry form to the FIA last week.
"I'm filled with the desire to hoist Japan's flag on the podium as a constructor or team," Suzuki, who became in 1990 the first Japanese to score a podium finish in a World Championship round, said. "I have joined many races. If I look at them as mountains, F1 is like climbing Mount Everest. No one knows what will be waiting for us ahead ... but I will do my best," he said.
The team will be based in Langley in Oxfordshire in Britain and use the factory of disbanded Arrows team.
We will use Honda V8 engines but the drivers are undecided," Suzuki told a news conference at Honda headquarters in Tokyo.
Suzuki said Japanese driver Takuma Sato, who was dropped by the BAR Honda team last season, could be one of the drivers. "We are in talks with Mr Takuma Sato and are also negotiating with several other drivers," he said.
Suzuki said the team was also negotiating with possible sponsors as "F1 is a world in which you can never have enough money."
Asked about news reports that Japanese Internet firm Softbank would provide financing, he said: "I would be grateful if such a major, wonderful company becomes our sponsor."
Suzuki also said he wanted to ask Bridgestone to supply tires. Further details of the team will be announced between late January and early February, he said.
While the team has Honda backing, Suzuki denied it was the Japanese automaker's second team, saying Super Aguri Formula 1 was original. Honda will own the BAR Honda team outright next year.
E.A.
Source AFP