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Super Aguri re-apply to join grid

Suzuki remains intent on getting his car onto the F1 grid for next year

TOKYO, Japan -- Japan's planned Super Aguri F1 team have said they will re-apply to compete in next year's championship after being left off the list of 2006 entrants.

The ruling FIA excluded Super Aguri from its list of 10 teams for 2006 as they had failed to complete the required paperwork.

But team chief Aguri Suzuki said he planned to re-apply to join the grid for next season following a telephone call with FIA president Max Mosley.

"Our goal is still absolutely to have two cars on the grid for the start of next year," said the ex-Formula One driver.

"Based on talks with the FIA we have decided to begin the registration process again," he added.

Aguri announced last month his team had applied to the FIA ahead of the November 15 deadline and would be powered by Honda engines.

Despite leaving Super Aguri off the FIA's list, Mosley told Suzuki he would welcome a Japanese team on the grid and invited him to re-apply.

However, even if accepted by the FIA, Super Aguri's participation in next year's championship would require the agreement of the other 10 teams.

"Mr Mosley kindly said on the phone we could apply once more, even though the cut-off line has passed," said Suzuki's business partner Fumito Akita.

"Mr Mosley said he would welcome a Japanese team but the other teams have to say okay. That could be a little difficult."

The last new entrant was Toyota in 2002 when there were 11 teams. There have been 10 teams since Arrows folded during that season.

Akita feared the Super Aguri team could face considerable resistance from potential rivals in the Formula One paddock.

"Going from 10 teams to 11 teams means less TV income for each team," he said. "Finishing places would also be at stake. I don't know what level we would be racing at but some teams wouldn't want to be finishing behind us."

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