Honda to sponsor Super Aguri team too

UPDATE Along with the Japanese carmaker's V8 engine and technical support, the 'Super Aguri' team will be sponsored by Honda. Honda's president and CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed the news at an annual media gathering in Tokyo (Japan).

In addition to Honda's newly-announced commercial backing, the prospective entrant – run by Aguri Suzuki and referred to in the press as a Honda 'b' team – will more than likely count on Japanese e-commerce company SoftBank's major sponsorship, which could extend to partial ownership of the Leafield based team.

It is also whispered on the F1 grapevine that Aguri is speaking to 'Yahoo!' and also 'Morningstar' — an investment research company.

12/20/05 Honda says it is prepared to provide more than just engines and technology to the new Super Aguri Formula One team.

Honda Motor president Takeo Fukui says the Japanese manufacturer will also sponsor the new team. Fukui stopped short of saying whether or not the company would become the title sponsor of the new team.

Honda says its plans for the Aguri Suzuki team will in no way cut into its commitments to its own Formula One outfit.