Restructuring planned at Super Aguri

Thirty employees of the Super Aguri team risk losing their jobs, according to some reports.

The Oxford Mail, a local newspaper distributed near the Japanese factory in Leafield, Great Britain, claims that a restructuring is in preparation for the 2008 season within the Super Aguri team.

The small team, led by former F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, found a major fund investor this season at the very last moment.

The newspaper announces that up to 30 existing staff members could lose their jobs, but team spokeswoman Emma Bearpark explained that some could be reassigned at engine manufacturer Honda.

Between 100 and 120 people are currently working for Super-Aguri.

A worker without introducing himself and who has lost his job stated: « Many people are upset by the pessimistic news that was revealed this week. This comes a few weeks before the end-of-year holidays. »

Bearpark added: « We have said all year that we are a small team. We are currently starting our third year and like any new year, additional funding is required. »

« What we are doing now is very regrettable. We hope that the affected individuals will be able to find another job in another part of the company or in the F1 sector, » she said.

The news may also explain this situation since Honda, during the recent private tests in Barcelona, overshadowed Super-Aguri.

Indeed, Honda highlighted young prospects such as Andreas Zuber, Luca Filippi, and Mike Conway, while Super-Aguri settled for Anthony Davidson.