Fry denies involvement in Aguri collapse

May 14, 2008

As reported at Autosport.com, Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry has hit back at claims he went out of his way to ensure Super Aguri did not continue in Formula One.

Fry spoke out in public ahead of crunch meetings between Aguri Suzuki and the Honda board in Japan, saying he was skeptical about the success of a proposed rescue-bid by the Weigl Group.

He was also at the center of claims that Super Aguri’s trucks were barred from entering the paddock at Istanbul last weekend after he told Bernie Ecclestone the team would not be racing in Turkey.

Fry’s influence in the situation did not impress Suzuki, who criticized him in a farewell press conference in Tokyo last week.

Let’s be realistic about this. The Honda works team (run by Fry) no longer wanted to take the chance that they would be shown up by the Honda second team (Super Aguri). Why spend your own money to embarass yourself.

This is a real shame. Super Aguri did wonders with very little money. They were screwed by their main sponser (SS United) who reportedly did not pay the agreed sponsorship money. Formula 1 cannot afford to lose more teams.

Posted in Honda, Super Aguri