Controversy between Super Aguri and Honda over the choice of riders

The Super Aguri team has not yet formalized its rider line-up for the 2008 world championship and the current economic difficulties could push Aguri Suzuki to replace Anthony Davidson in favor of a paying rider like Narain Karthikeyan who would bring the contribution of the telecommunications group Indian Spice Group. Davidson, however, is pleased that Honda has placed its favorable opinion on the Leafield team's rider line-up as a necessary condition for continuing to offer technical support.

Honda Racing F1 boss Nick Fry admitted that the Super Aguri is a distraction for the factory team: “The intent for 2008 is for the Aguri to be on the grid but clearly Ross Brawn and I need to make sure it doesn't represent a distraction. At this stage, the intent is to ensure that they are on track with Honda engines and support. Davidson is a driver of appropriate standards for Super Aguri. Personally, I'm not convinced that the driver you mentioned (Karthikeyan, ed.) could be of an acceptable standard for us."

Daniele Audetto, managing director of Super Aguri, confirmed that Honda must “approve” the team's choices in terms of riders: “Davidson is Honda's favorite rider. But we are also looking for a solid partner. If they bring a lot of money and want a driver then he will have to be capable and liked by the FIA”.