Super Aguri In Safe Hands Says Fry

Topics:  Super Aguri

Anthony Fontanelle
March 17, 2008

Following rigorous talks, Super Aguri announced Monday that Magma Group, technology entrepreneurial investment group, will take over the outfit. Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry said Super Aguri are in safe hands under Magma. Knowing Magma boss Martin Leach well, Fry believes that the new ownership will make the team a strong force in Formula One.

"Martin and I go back 30 years, and he actually started to have discussions at Silverstone last year about the possibilities (with Super Aguri)," Fry said in an interview with autosport.com. "It took a long time to bring it home though. There were a number of other options, but a lot of the other options were not at all viable in my view. Martin was the best option. He knows cars and he knows car racing. He is a very competitive feisty little individual and between him and Aguri they will do a very good job. Between them it is a good balance."

Fry also believes that the move is advantageous to Honda Racing. It means that Super Aguri will start the process of becoming an outright F1 constructor from as soon as 2009. Additionally, some Honda parts such as engines as well as technical information for the duration of the year will be supplied by the Japanese automaker.

"Honda are happy with the outcome," noted Fry. "They realized, and Martin and Magma realize, that they have got to turn themselves into full blown constructors - which is a major task. They have got to be a full-blown do everything themselves (constructor) from 2010, but they will be doing most of it in 2009 as well. So it will effectively be a pull ahead of one year compared to the previous plan.”

Team Principal Aguri Suzuki has this to say: "I am pleased to announce our new partner and drivers finally at this late stage. I am looking forward to a successful and long-lasting collaboration with Magma group about drivers, as I have wanted them to continue their work in our team, I was not worried at all about our drivers for 2008."

Super Aguri’s lineup remains unchanged; Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato will still be on the helm. Suzuki said the preservation of the team would be "a big advantage" in achieving long-term consistency.

"For Anthony, as this season will be his second as a racing driver, I am expecting him to achieve some points," Suzuki noted in an interview. "For Takuma, I would like him to repeat the excellent work he did last season. It will be an interesting season and we will try our best to help them achieve these goals."

Source:  Amazines.com