Formula 1: Super Aguri team withdraws

The Japanese Formula 1 team Super Aguri announced today their immediate withdrawal from their racing activities. The team cites financial troubles as the reason for the Formula 1 withdrawal and ceases all racing immediately, which means that Super Aguri will not race in the upcoming Turkish Grand Prix, as well. "Regretfully I must inform you that the team will be ceasing racing activities. The loss of financial backing put the team into financial difficulties. With the help of Honda, we somehow managed to keep the team going, but we find it difficult to establish a way to continue the activities in the future so I have concluded to withdraw. I have been very happy that I was able to achieve a miracle and become a team owner," Aguri Suzuki, the team founder, said in a statement. The Japanese Formula 1 team has been struggling to find money ever since the collapse of a takeover deal by the Dubai-based Magma Group in April.

Ten teams and 20 drivers will now line up on the grid for Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, with Kimi Raikkonen 11/10 odds favourite at the British online sportsbook Bet 365, followed by Felipe Massa at 15/8 and Lewis Hamilton at 13/2. Among the Formula 1 constructors, Ferrari leads 1/5 on McLaren with odds 9/2 to win the 2008 Constructors Championship.

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