“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.”
So this is the end of it. I'm sure all fans won't forget this team easily, nor glorious moments like the two times it scored in 2007.
In its three years, the team had five drivers, who we now remember: Takuma Sato, Yuji Ide, Frank Montagny, Sakon Yamamoto and Anthony Davidson. I hope the end of the team doesn't mean the end of Davidson and Sato's careers.
As for me, it's the end of my career as publisher on this site. I now turn this over to my superiors, who will close the site when they find it appropriate. I'll see you on the forum of whatever team I'll support from now on.
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