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Suzuki confirms 11th F1 team

01/11/2005

Former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki has today confirmed that he is heading a consortium hoping to become the 11th team in F1.

Reports surfaced last week that a new team application had been submitted to the sport's governing body but further details had not been disclosed.

However, Suzuki, who retired from driving in 1995, said today that he hopes his unnamed team will be given the go-ahead to compete.

"On October 26th, I submitted the application but I will not know if it is approved or not until early December," Suzuki said.

"If it is approved I will plan to have an entry confirmation presentation at the end of January or beginning of February."

One major stumbling block, the Japanese driver admitted, could be financial resources and speculation persists that both Honda and BAR could offer contributions to get the new team off the ground for next season.

"Formula One is like a money pit - however much you spend it's not enough so we are aware of the need for strong backing," he added.

"It's not like I walk about with that sort of money on me so clearly we recognise that sponsorship is a crucial factor."

Suzuki hopes the team will be based in Tokyo but will operate out of the former Arrows headquarters in Leafield in Oxfordshire.

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