F1.com – “After weeks of speculation, Super Aguri announced on Monday that they have reached agreement with Magma Group regarding the acquisition of the team. The deal is expected to be completed over the next few weeks.
Under the new ownership, Super Aguri will continue to receive engine supply and technical cooperation from Honda. The team also confirmed that Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson will again be team mates for the 2008 season.
“I am pleased to announce our new partner and drivers finally at this late stage,” commented team principal Aguri Suzuki. “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. It will be a big advantage for us that we can continue working with them this year.
“For Anthony, as this season will be his second as a racing driver, I am expecting him to achieve some points. 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.”
Uncertainty over the team’s future has meant a limited testing programme over the winter and their 2008 car, the SA08, is expected to get its first outing in Friday’s opening practice session for the Australian Grand Prix. Despite this, both drivers are in optimistic mood.
“Our winter preparation has not been as comprehensive as we had wished; however we always get over these difficulties and keep pushing forward with our fighting spirit,” said Sato, who has been with the team since their 2006 debut. “I hope that we can maintain this through the coming season and make up for some lost time.”
Davidson added: “The testing we have been able to do has gone well and we are continuing to make improvements to the car in conjunction with the new MES system. I’ve concentrated on my training and preparation over the winter and I’m fully motivated for the challenges that this year will bring.”
Based in the UK, the Magma Group describe themselves as ‘a unique enterprise, created to address issues and capitalise on opportunities in the automotive and technology sectors caused by changing global situations and market conditions’. The group is headed by Chairman Martin Leach, whose former posts include Maserati CEO and President and Chief Operating Officer of Ford Europe.”
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Thankfully, someone stepped up to help the “Super Best Friends”. Glad to see them on the 2008 F1 grid, along with regulars Honda and Japanese favorite Taku Sato and a deserving Davidson!