New team absent from entry list

The FIA published the 2006 F1 entry list on December 1st and the proposed new Japanese team, Super Aguri, was not included. Back at the beginning of November Super Aguri, headed by former racer Aguri Suzuki, announced it had lodged its entry for next year's championship.

Honda was the intended engine supplier and the team was allegedly in talks with ex-BAR man Takuma Sato for one of the race seats. However, the FIA said Super Aguri's application had been refused. No reason was given. Suzuki said he still intends to have cars on the grid in 2006 and will re-apply.

Meanwhile, Tiago Monteiro is on the list, as teammate to Christijan Albers at MF1 Racing. Monteiro announced earlier this month that he had signed a contract with MF1, previously Jordan, but Midland refused to confirm the deal. The team did admit that Monteiro was the most likely to get the seat.

There were no surprises elsewhere; BMW Sauber is listed with Nick Heidfeld's teammate as "to be arranged" but the Swiss-German squad announced today that Jacques Villeneuve has been confirmed for next season. BAR also announced today that it will now be known as the Honda Racing F1 Team, and was duly listed as such.

Other unknowns are McLaren's official entry name now it no longer carries the West title sponsorship, and the allocation of the Red Bull and Toro Rosso drivers. Tobacco company West and McLaren parted company earlier this year and Johnnie Walker whisky came on board.

David Coulthard is already confirmed at Red Bull and this week Tonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed were piloting the Toro Rosso cars at Barcelona testing, fuelling speculation that they will race for the team next year and Christian Klien will remain with Red Bull.