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Monday, February 11, 2008

Super Aguri SA08 cleared to race

Super Aguri has confirmed that its new SA08 car passed the FIA’s mandatory crash tests on Thursday – meaning the team has been officially cleared to compete in 2008.

The Leafield-based squad has completed just 10 laps in pre-season testing so far this year, with it forced to cancel a planned outing at Valencia last month as it bids to solve current financial difficulties.

And although the team is still currently in discussions with potential sponsors and investors for 2008, it has kept up the work on its latest challenger and it is now officially passed to race.

“I can confirm that the SA08 monocoque was signed off for racing by the FIA yesterday,” a spokeswoman said.

However there is still no firm confirmation about its driver line-up for the new season.

The Honda-backed squad has previously said it intends to retain both Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson, but that contract negotiations were still ongoing with the pair as the team looks to secure its own future.

When asked by ITV-F1.com on Friday if it was any closer to finalising the deals, the Aguri spokeswoman confirmed it was “not any nearer”.

Super Aguri is due to officially unveil the new car in Barcelona on February 19.

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