Honda says Aguri exit was 'inevitable'

With Super Aguri announcing on Tuesday morning that they were withdrawing from F1, backers Honda issued a statement expressing disappointment at the news but claiming it did all it could to help.

"Honda has continued to support the team as much as possible but Aguri Suzuki, Team Principal has come to Honda and expressed his decision to withdraw from Formula One as he is not capable of establishing a foundation for independent operation of the team," said the Honda statement.

"The Super Aguri F1 Team's withdrawal is indeed very disappointing for us but we understand that it was inevitable unless the team could find a way to stand alone by itself in the future.

"We would like to express our thankfulness to the Super Aguri F1 Team and all the fans who have supported them for sharing the dreams and fighting together with Honda."

Honda said that it had been involved in trying to help find investors to save Super Aguri's future, and believes it had done enough when the Magma Group appeared to reached agreement with the team before its plan collapsed.

"Honda has been supporting the Super Aguri F1 Team by supplying engines and financial support amongst others since its establishment in 2005. Especially since 2007, we have been deeply involved in discussions together with the team to find sponsors and partners.

"At the beginning of the 2008 season, when the team started negotiations with the strong candidate MAGMA Group, Honda has actively cooperated by proposing many forms of support. Just when we thought the three groups have reached an agreement, we were told that MAGMA and their financial backers had decided not to pursue the deal."

Super Aguri had hoped a last-minute proposal from German automotive company, the Weigl Group, would save them - but time ran out in getting a deal done before the Turkish Grand Prix.