[Nick Koan]

Super Aguri confirms Anthony Davidson.

http://www.crash.net/news_View~t~Sup...~id~140250.htm

As has been expected for some time, Honda test driver Anthony Davidson will be joining Super Aguri F1 to partner Takuma Sato in the team's 2007 line-up.

Rumours of the move have been rampant for some time, with the possibility that Davidson could even join Sato in the line-up before the end of the 2006 campaign, but it has only now been made official as Super Aguri firms up plans for its second season in the top flight.

The Briton is highly regarded in the F1 paddock for his test and development ability, but has only made three race appearances - two with Minardi and one with BAR/Honda - in five years since becoming BAR's third driver. He consistently topped the Friday timesheets when eligible to run during grand prix weekends, and was credited with playing a pivotal role in the steady improvement which led to the Honda team's first win in Hungary this season.

Despite approaches from the likes of Williams in recent seasons, Honda managed to retain his services, but eventually had to bow to the inevitable and give Davidson the opportunity to pursue his race ambitions, albeit with 'sister' team SAF1. He now rejoins former Carlin F3 team-mate Sato, who will lead the squad - which has abandoned its all-Japanese ambitions - for a second season.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm really excited about approaching my first full season as a race driver in Formula One," Davidson admitted in a team statement, "I'd like to thank everyone at the Super Aguri team, and at Honda, for giving me this chance."

With the Aguri team closing the gap on Spyker and Scuderia Toro Rosso in the closing weeks of the season, despite starting the year with a reworked four-year old design, Davidson is confident that he will have a chance to make a good impression in 2007, especially as SAF1 is still hoping to use a version of this year's Honda RA106, a car he is particularly familiar with.

"I've been impressed with the improvements the team has made through the 2006 season, and I can already see from my first visits to the factory that the team is very hard-working and highly motivated," he continued, "I can't wait to get started!"

Davidson's deal means the end of Sakon Yamamoto's race deal with the team, but there is a chance that the Formula Nippon frontrunner could retain a place as third driver next year.

"I am delighted to have Takuma and Anthony as our drivers for next year," team boss Aguri Suzuki said, "Takuma performed outstandingly in our first year and I hope that he will be able to build on this with us next year.

"As you know, Anthony has been with Honda as a test driver for a while now, and he brings to us a wealth of experience in Formula One. I believe that he will make a positive impact on the team and that he will fit into the family atmosphere that we have at Super Aguri F1 perfectly. I am looking forward to seeing both our drivers rising to the challenge in the 2007 season."