Super Aguri have withdrawn from the 2008 F1 world championship with immediate effect.

“In order to realise my dream to become an owner of a Formula One team, I applied for a grid position in the FIA Formula One World Championship in November 2005,” said team principal Aguri Suzuki in a statement issued by the team. “Since then, I have participated in the championship for two years and four months as the Super Aguri F1 Team, but regretfully I must inform you that the team will cease their racing activities as of today.”

Super Aguri’s withdrawal leaves just 10 teams on the F1 grid.

Former DPR driver Andy Soucek will replace the injured Christian Bakkerud for the second round of the 2008 GP2 championship at Istanbul this weekend. Soucek had signed for FMS but the team cancelled his contract shortly before the start of the season.