Ide tipped to land second Aguri seat
The Formula Nippon driver, who turns 31 on Saturday, is reportedly backed by a big sponsor and was spotted getting a seat fitted at the prospective team's Leafield factory this week.
With 'Aguri' planning to start the 2006 season with Arrows' old 2002 car, however, neither 'Taku' or Ide – who has never even tested a grand prix monster – should be expected to immediately shine.
But ex-Minardi owner Paul Stoddart, who sold the old 'A23' cars to team boss Aguri Suzuki, thinks F1's eleventh team could give Midland-owned 'MF1' a run for its money this year.
Stoddart also sold truckloads of team and garage equipment to Aguri.
''I wouldn't bet against them beating (MF1),'' the Australian told Autosport. ''I would not be surprised at all if they beat them.''