Aguri says new backer not title sponsor

(GMM) Super Aguri will commence the season without a title sponsor, despite significant 'SS United Oil and Gas' branding on the newly launched SA07 car.

"They are a major sponsor, not the title sponsor," team managing director Daniele Audetto said at Albert Park.

The Italian suggested that negotiations with a potential title sponsor had gone cold, and laid the blame at Spyker and Williams' door for telling the press that the Japanese squad's plans for the 2007 season were illegal.

"That had a very negative impact on our ongoing negotiations," Audetto added.

He insisted that Leafield based Aguri's new car is legal, despite observations that it is a developed version of the 2006 Honda.

Official FIA scrutineering takes place in Melbourne on Thursday.