http://www.saf1.co.jp/en/topics/2008/nws_080506.html


"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. "


Fit of RAGE and Mugen_Dom :(

 

There have been rumblings about Super Aguri being in trouble ever since the season began. Sad to see them finally go. Hopefully Sato and Davidson along with the crew get picked up by other teams at least or move on to better things.

 

It is sad and disappointing, but not surprising to anybody who follows F1 closely.
David Richards and his Prodrive outfit successfully contested for 12th team on the grid with FIA, however knowing about the rule change, that will forbid purchase and/or support from another team in acquiring their chassis and other components, as well as being unable to be granted extension on the rule deadline, decided not to enter at all.
FYI for those not aware, David Richards holds all commercial rights to WRC, he owns Prodrive which campaigns for Subaru in WRC as well as successfully compete in endurance Sports Car challenges (previously with Ferrari, currently with Aston Martin). He also spearheaded Honda's F1 return as a chief team manager for BAR. Obviously securing financial means was not a problem, but going to extraordinary expenses to compete for just one year did not make sense. Prodrive is well capable of building their own car, however that would require pulling many specialized people from their WRC and Sports Car program. They were not willing to make that compromise. Keep in mind that Toyota, the team with largest ever budget for F1, scraped their very successful WRC program to concentrate on F1.
F1 requires 110% commitment without any compromises!

I am sorry to see Aguri go! I am hoping for a miracle! I am dedicated Ferrari fan, but I crave "young blood" that entered F1 lately! Hamilton, Rosberg, Piquett, Davidson,.... . New teams such as Force India and Super Aguri. I am tired of old horses (Michael Schumacher).
Youth is the future of F1. Mosley needs to go not just because of the scandal, but because of his age. Eclestone too.
I would like to see rumors of Jean Todt come to reality. Maybe even David Richards in some capacity.

Aguri should have appealed to fans world wide. They should have established an account where money could be sent and in return put names of individuals and companies on the car. Send pictures to people of their names on the car, or just web site where we could locate our name. Even though many support other teams they would help Aguri stay in F1. Nobody wins if we are left with just a handful of teams. It is bad for the sport.
FIA needs to give them a boost too! It is bad for F1 if small teams disappear. Who is next - Williams? They are not in a gutter, yet! I can't even comprehend icon of Williams being forced out of F1, but it is not too far fetched either!

I hope Aguri gets his miracle. He deserves it! He has a huge heart for F1!

Ivan

 

Sux but Aguri's fate was sealed when they banned customer chassis. Whoever was gonna buy the team would've had to develop the current car and then build a new chassis from scratch for next year (or build on the 2004 arrows chassis they bought).

STR is next.