New F1 team confirms drivers

New Formula One team Super Aguri have named Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide as their drivers for 2006 in an all-Japanese line-up.

World governing body the FIA confirmed Super Aguri’s entry for their forthcoming season last month following approval from the 10 other teams.

Confirmation the experienced Sato, who drove for the BAR-Honda team in 2004, would lead the team was expected after he tested the new car on its first run-out yesterday.

Ide will make the step-up to F1 after a successful career in the All-Japan Championship Formula Nippon Series, in which he finished second last year.

Super Aguri now intend to test at Barcelona next week with a further session planned at Silverstone.

The team principal Aguri Suzuki, a former F1 driver, said: “I am grateful that these highly experienced drivers are joining my team.

“Although I expect a tough year as it is our first in Formula One, with these two drivers I will put all my efforts into creating a positive outcome.”