02/12/2005
NEWS STORY
Former F1 driver, Aguri Suzuki, remains determined to have two cars on the F1 grid next season, despite being left off the FIA's official entry list.
In a statement issued today (Friday), Suzuki said: "Our goal is still absolutely to have two cars on the grid for the start of next year. Based on talks with the FIA we have decided to begin the registration process again."
According to Suzuki's business partner Fumito Akita, the 'talks' referred to involve a lengthy telephone conversation with FIA President, Max Mosley.
"Mr. Mosley said he would welcome a Japanese team but the other teams have to say okay," said Akita, according to Reuters.
"That could be a little difficult," he added. "Going from 10 teams to 11 teams means less TV income for each team. Finishing places would also be at stake. I don't know what level we would be racing at but some teams wouldn't want to be finishing behind us."
Other than not (apparently) having chassis for next season, there is also the little matter of the $48m 'deposit' required as a surety from all potential F1 teams. However, in the past, an FIA spokesman has told Pitpass that the sport's governing body would look at potential teams on merit and might be willing to waive the deposit, providing it has the necessary funding and a sensible (business) structure.