Grapevine: Ide tipped for second Aguri seat

Although the team are awaiting confirmation from the FIA about their entry to next year's Formula One World Championship, which should come in the New Year, sources claim that Ide has already agreed a deal to drive for the team in 2006.

Ide is believed to have secured the drive on the back of a major sponsorship deal he has with Japanese bluetooth company Mobilecast, which could be worth as much as £7.5 million.

There are suggestions that Aguri are still chasing the full budget to be able to compete next year, with a planned sponsorship deal with the Japanese Softbank believed to have fallen through.

Aguri are not expected to make any announcements about their driver plans until their entry is given the green light, and it is then thought likely that Sato will be confirmed immediately. It is also possible now that Ide will be announced then too.

Ide, who is 30, has raced in Formula Nippon for the past four seasons, having previously competed in Japanese and French Formula Three. His best result was runner-up in the championship this season behind title winner Satoshi Motoyama.

The other drivers linked with drives at Super Aguri are Sakon Yamamoto and Kosuke Matsuura.