Super Aguri sign deal with SS United Group.

The Super Aguri Formula 1 team has announced that the SS United Group Oil and Gas Company Limited will support the Leafield-based outfit this season.

Although the length of the deal was not confirmed a statement from the team added that SS United Group - which has an 'extensive' network for the supply of petroleum products and advanced energy technology in China, Russia, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, will be a 'major' backer.

"I am happy that SS United Group has joined our team and that we could share our news with you at the Australian Grand Prix," said team boss, Aguri Suzuki. "Because our team was born in Japan, SS United Group is keen to support us as they feel that we share the same 'team spirit'.

"It is a new company, like us, and has been formed by a group of experts from the petrochemical industry. We are hoping that through our partnership that we shall help each other to grow. I hope that this is the beginning of a long relationship, not only as a sponsor of our team, but in a broader business sense. I believe that we can work together to enhance developments for the future."

Takatoshi Saito, president of SS United Group Oil & Gas Company Limited, meanwhile revealed that it is a 'long term' partnership and one he hopes will be mutually beneficial.

"We decided to join forces with Super Aguri F1 team as we were encouraged by the new team making headway in the F1 world," he added. "Through confidence instilled in the team we decided to forge a long term partnership with Super Aguri F1. We hope that the team will not only merit from our sponsorship, but we hope that our relationship will contribute to the development of the car.

"We believe that the race results of the team will reflect well on our business. We would therefore like to support the team in different aspects and work with them hand-in-hand. SS United Group hopes that this partnership will benefit both companies and contribute towards significant growth."