Super Aguri to miss final test in Spain

Team boss Aguri Suzuki has been in Japan since the end of last week, holding discussions with senior Honda executives and potential investors to try and complete a deal that will end his outfit's financial difficulties.

The money issues, prompted in part by the non-payment of sponsorship owed to the team by SS United last year, have already forced the team to curtail their pre-season testing programme.

The team had hoped for a deal to be completed over the weekend that would have allowed them to resume testing in Barcelona this week with their new car, but those hopes have been dashed, with Suzuki no nearer a decision about what he wants to do.

Sources have suggested that Honda have put forward a rescue package deal in exchange for a restructuring of staff to slim down the costs, but so far Suzuki has not accepted this.

There are also other investors who are keen to conclude a deal, but none of these have been finalised yet.

Despite missing the Barcelona test and not having run their new car, the team are still continuing preparations for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Staff are working on packing up the spare parts and cars ready for shipping to Melbourne this weekend.