Super Aguri to sue SS United

A deal with the Hong Kong-based oil and gas company was struck on the eve of the first race of the season in Australia. But after the first sponsorship installment was made, Super Aguri received no more of their scheduled payments.

And, after making no progress in getting money out of the company, Super Aguri have now taken the matter to court to find a solution.

Super Aguri managing director Daniel Audetto told autosport.com: "We gave them a deadline of July, so now we have to start legal action.

"We had a contract. They made the first payment, they had the publicity, so they are definitely at fault and liable."

SS United's stickers will remain on the Super Aguri car for the time being so the team fulfil their side of the contract. Audetto said, however, that they were looking for replacement backers.

"In September it is almost impossible to find a sponsor for the remainder of the season, so what I am doing is that with the potential sponsors for 2008 I offer also part of this season."

Although there are no doubts that Super Aguri have the finances to finish the season, Audetto admits that the budget shortfall caused by the SS United situation will affect their development and test programme.

"Originally we had all the income from SS United in the budget, and we should have spent it on more development and more testing," he said.

"So when we understand that SS United was late, we start to reduce all the costs so we can finish the season and break even. What is important is that we finish the season, pay all our creditors and suppliers and we have a strong position for next year.

"Because of the four points we have, and how competitive and reliable the top teams are, I hope that without any foreseeable disasters like weather or massive accidents, our direct competitors, namely Toro Rosso and Spyker, will not score more than four points.

"That is why we can reduce the costs, pay off the debts, break even and be strong for next year."