Williams await clarifications from Aguri

With Aguri Suzuki's team needing to get unanimous approval from their rivals to be allowed to resubmit their entry to the FIA, Williams have been rumoured to be alongside Ferrari and Midland F1 as one of three teams not supporting the application.

However, sources close to Williams have told autosport.com that although the team have not yet lent their support, they may do so providing that Aguri can prove that they are serious about their F1 intentions.

It is believed that Williams have asked for details from Super Aguri about their future plans and their financial background, so the Grove-based team can be convinced that the new outfit will not damage F1's image by not being around for the long-term.

Renault are believed to have asked for similar assurances amid concerns from team boss Flavio Briatore about the quality of the team's entry.

A source close to Williams said: "We have asked for some clarification. It is just a few questions like who are they, is their fundraising sustainable and other minor issues, like whether their entry will compromise other teams' suppliers."

Those answers have not yet been forthcoming from Aguri, who are also facing uncertainty about whether they will get support from Ferrari and Midland.

Ferrari have yet to confirm their position but are not believed to have rejected the application, while MF1 have said they are considering their options.

The latter team are believed to be concerned about the possible implications of being beaten to the 10 th spot in the constructors' championship by Aguri, because that could cost them television rights money and travel subsidies.

Of the other teams, Honda Racing's support for Aguri will be automatic, with the Japanese manufacturer supplying engines to the team.

Toyota and McLaren have publicly come out and said they also back the plans, while Renault, BMW-Sauber and Red Bull's two teams are also believed to have told the team they will support the entry.