Takuma Sato’s manager has denied speculation that Honda created Super Aguri last year exclusively to accommodate the axed works racer.
When Sato’s dumping at the end of 2005 did not go down well among Japanese supporters, it was suggested that Honda propped up former grand prix driver Aguri Suzuki’s plans for a team, including by paying the $48 million bond.
Super Aguri also use Honda engines and benefit from the Japanese carmaker’s R&D department, and its 2007 car – a development of Honda’s old RA106 – is presently being built at the Honda plant in Tochigi.
Sato’s manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott told Formule 1 RaceReport: “Honda never told us that they were putting together a team for Takuma.
“The only thing they said was that they were offering him a place (in F1).
“(Takuma) had other inferior options, and ultimately the choice was his.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
