Aguri expect entry approval next month

Although the Japanese outfit moved a major step closer to getting their application accepted - by securing the unanimous support of their rivals this week - it is still expected to take a few days for the FIA to approve their late entry.

With the Christmas and New Year holidays now almost upon us, the examination of paperwork and the transfer of the $48 million (USD) bond deposit may not happen until the first few days of 2006.

However, thankfully for Super Aguri, there is no deadline for them to get their application approved. The only danger they faced recently was spending money on getting their 2006 programme ready without knowing whether it would all be to waste.

Now there appears little doubt that the FIA will approve their entry, making them F1's 11th team. FIA president Max Mosley told Auto, Motor und Sport earlier this week that he was 'sure' 11 teams would make it onto the grid next year.

Aguri are still working at their Leafield base on preparing a 2002 Arrows A23 for them to start the season, while they continue development of their own car that will be used from the start of the European campaign.