Super Aguri says will be on Melbourne grid

By Alastair Himmer

TOKYO (Reuters) - Super Aguri confirmed on Friday their cars will be on the starting grid for the opening grand prix of the Formula One season in Australia on March 16.

The Japanese team pulled out of this week's final pre-season tests while talks continued with potential investors but insisted a mix-up over car parts was to blame.

"The cancellation was because some parts hadn't arrived in time," Super Aguri's co-owner Fumio Akita told Reuters. "We are usually scrambling to be ready for the start of the season.

"It was very tight last year and this year is following the same pattern. But we will be on the grid for Melbourne. We're not worried at all about missing out."

Super Aguri principal Aguri Suzuki still hopes to attract investors to help boost the performance of a team which has the smallest budget in Formula One.

"Talks are still going on and I'm told there are three potential investors," said Akita. "Obviously, we have to think of the future and what's best for the team."

India's Spice Group were talking to Aguri last month about taking a possible stake in the team, while Akita did not rule out a full buyout of the Formula One tail-enders.

"It might be 100 percent. But obviously any sponsors or investors who leave the infrastructure there and back the team to improve results would be ideal," he said.