Super Aguri get financial boost

Following the difficulties caused by the non-payment of monies by previous primary sponsor SS United, the team have had to cut back on their development programme.

However, the team's competitiveness and major interest in Japan has helped them secure a number of sponsors from this weekend that will help bolster their finances until the end of the season.

SS United's stickers have now been taken off the car and they will be replaced for this race by new primary sponsor Four Leaf, a Japanese health food company.

Other sponsors added to the roster include Pioneer and its Japanese product division Carrozeria, Cup Noodle and Virgin Atlantic.

Managing director Daniel Audetto welcomed the news, which provides a timely help for his team's finances.

"It is a boost for the team to help us finish the season," he told autosport.com. "It will guarantee our budget for the rest of the year and will help us break even, so we can pay all our suppliers. And most importantly, it means we can start 2008 with a completely clean sheet of paper."

Super Aguri are still on the look out for a partner to come on board in the future, as Audetto dismissed recent speculation suggesting a Japanese businessman had become involved.

"The truth is that there is no truth in all these rumours," said Audetto. "SS United not paying created problems in financing the team.

"If we have partner or investor in the team he has to bring something, he has to bring some knowledge, sponsors, and marketing experiences. That would be a welcome partner at Super Aguri. But as of today, Aguri still own 100 percent of Super Aguri."