Super Aguri Remembered: A Celebration of Fighting Spirit

For many, Formula 1 is highlighted by the show & spectacle of teams like Ferrari, BMW Sauber, McLaren, and Renault. On the other side of that spectrum are the B teams like Super Aguri. They may struggle at the back or middle of the pack at any given Grand Prix, but they are no less passionate about the sport.

Super Aguri got its racing start in 2006 as fulfillment of a dream for Japanese former F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, and new opportunity for popular Japanese driver Takuma Sato, after he was replaced at the Honda works F1 team. The team was off to a rocky start even before hitting the track, as (rumored) financial problems caused them to miss the deadline for entry fees. The team was, however granted entry and debuted in 2006 with japanese drivers Sato and Yuji Ide, who was shortly replaced by Franck Montagny. The team used Honda's program engines and the dated Arrows A23 chassis, which were later refitted. Despite Sato's surprising top ten finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the team failed to score any points in 2006.

2007 brought about more controversy for the team, as they made the switch to a reworked Honda chassis for their sopohmore season. Claims of rule violation (by rule, F1 teams are forbidden from using cars or components developed or implemented by other teams) from other teams created a stir around the young outfit. Returning driver Sato was joined by the British former Honda test driver Anthony Davidson. Financial troubles persisted when title sponsor SS United Group breached its contract and stopped supporting the team, leading to some reported downsizing. Race performance, thanks in part to use of the more competitive Honda based SA07 chassis, saw an exciting change as the team scored its first ever championship point in the Spanish Grand Prix. Takuma Sato outlasted many more competitive cars to an eighth place finish. The highest point of the season, however, was the Canadian Grand Prix, with Sato finishing 6th after making the now famous pass on former world champ Fernando Alonso, astounding commentators and fans in every part of the world. This race also saw Super Aguri out-qualify and outperform the Honda factory team, something that some believe may have played a part in their demise.

2008 saw the team retain drivers Sato and Davidson, but move to the SA08, a reworked version of the uncompetitive Honda RA107. This, coupled with continuing money problems and almost no winter testing relegated the team to the back row in each of the first three 2008 events. Mechanical and other racing troubles held them firmly in the back quarter of finishers, or left the team with DNFs throughout the first four events. The team, now quickly running out of funds saw two potential buyouts come and go, and withdrew from F1 contention before the Turkish Grand Prix. This announcement followed a strange set of happenings, including the Super Aguri trucks being denied access to the Istanbul paddock after F1 management was reportedly told by Honda's Nick Fry that Super Aguri would not be racing. A move that surprised many, including driver Takuma Sato, who felt that Honda's statement may have been premature.

During its short, troubled time in F1, Super Aguri developed a dedicated fan base, including many fans from outside Japan, and many British fans drawn in by driver Anthony Davidson. Fans and team members often refer to something called "Fighting Spirit". It is the belief that spirit and will to win are just as, if not more important than talent and equipment. Their class, determination, spirit, and monumental exhibition of effort will always remain one of the purest examples of this sport, and fans all around the world will remember their Fighting Spirit. Drivers Sato and Davidson have vowed to fight to remain in Formula 1, and as they are both talented and popular, I doubt we have seen the last of them.

In writing this article I am proud to have been a Super Aguri fan and to have supported them to the end. I am deeply saddened by their departure, especially with the promise they have shown in the face of overwhelming odds, and against teams with budgets that outweigh theirs tenfold. Sato's performance at Canada last year will remain, for me, one of the greatest moments in the history of F1, and a true demonstration of the Fighting Spirit that Aguri fans will remember for seasons to come.