Davidson secures F1 drive

British driver Anthony Davidson has finally been given the opportunity to fully prove himself in Formula One.

Davidson has been confirmed as a race driver for Super Aguri for next season, partnering Takuma Sato at the Japanese team.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm really excited about my first full season as a race driver in Formula One," enthused Davidson. "I'd like to thank everyone at Super Aguri and Honda for giving me this chance, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone at my new team."

He added: "I've been impressed with the improvements made through the 2006 season, and I can already see from my first visits to the factory the team is very hard-working and highly motivated.

"I can't wait to get started!"

Davidson has previously competed in three F1 races, twice with Minardi in 2002 in which he retired in the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix.

He also raced in last year's Malaysian Grand for BAR-Honda, only to suffer another retirement.

Davidson, though, has consistently proved himself over the last three years as a third driver, often topping the timesheets in Friday's free practice sessions.

Team principal Aguri Suzuki said: "I am delighted to have Takuma and Anthony as our drivers for next year.

"Takuma performed outstandingly in our first year and I hope that he will be able to build on this with us next year."