Super Aguri: no doubts about legality

The new car has been at the centre of Formula One's customer car row, with some rival teams unhappy that it is a development version of last year's Honda Racing RA106.

But despite the possibility of legal action being taken over the situation by the Williams and Spyker teams, Super Aguri managing director Daniel Audetto has said he is not concerned about the actions of his rivals.

"We know what we did, we know what we are doing and we know that we are completely legal," said Audetto. "So it is not our problem. The most important thing is that we want to respect the rules. We don't want to cheat. We don't want to go against the rules.

"They (Williams and Spyker) can do whatever they want. We cannot stop them to do it. They just do it. If they have something to complain about then they can just do it. Then we will see if they are right or they are wrong. But we are right."

The SA07 incorporates some new aerodynamic concepts compared to the RA106 and the interim car that the team used during winter testing. The most noticeable difference is on the front wing.

Audetto has expressed some anger about the complaints of his rival teams over the winter, claiming that the possibility of legal action being taken has frightened off companies who were considering backing the Honda-powered team.

"What I say is that if they want to complain, then they should complain in writing - not to complain with the press and media. That caused us a lot of problems with potential sponsors and investors, and I think that is not good for F1. If there is something and they are not happy then I cannot stop them from making a protest.

"It is difficult to get sponsors for a new team, but it is even more difficult when you write and declare in the newspapers that you are not legal and that you cannot race in the championship. So that had a very negative impact on our negotiations."

Audetto, who claims the team are in discussions with new major sponsors, said he hoped that the start of the season would encourage other backers to come on board. The team announced a new deal with oil and gas company SS United on Wednesday.

"We hope to do a good race. We hope that everybody now sees that this is our car. We knew that from the beginning, but there was some doubt from other people.

"I hope now they realise it is our car with production and IP (intellectual property) - so when all the clouds are gone I hope that the sponsors that are still in negotiation with us will manage to find an agreement for the rest of the season."