Honda rules Davidson out of Super Aguri running.

Honda Racing has confirmed that Anthony Davidson will again perform third driver duties in 2006, effectively ruling the Briton out of pursuing a race seat with the Super Aguri F1 squad.

The 26-year old has been with the team - formerly knows as BAR - since 2001, and has now signed a deal that will keep him in white alongside the new race line-up of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Davidson had been linked to the new Super Aguri operation from the moment that Honda admitted that it would be supplying engines to the Japanese squad, but uncertainty over its entry and the quality of its cars - at least early in the season - has since prompted him to stay put at Honda Racing, even if it means eschewing a chance to add to his three GP tally.

"I?EUR(TM)m really looking forward to starting the 2006 season with the team in its new guise as Honda Racing F1," the Briton said, "I have enjoyed five years with the team, during which time I feel I have made a positive contribution to its development.

"My decision to remain with Honda is the right one, I am sure. They are committed to F1 for the long-term, and absolutely focused on winning the world championship. Although, of course, I would prefer to be in a race seat in 2006, I am in the best possible position to work towards achieving that goal. For now, we have a very intensive testing programme coming up in preparation for what should be an exciting 2006 season."

Davidson will get more opportunities to run in 2006, as BAR's poor 2006 performance has left Honda able to exploit the third driver rule on the Friday of each grand prix. He will also carry out regular testing duties throughout the year, and be on stand-by should either race driver be prevented from competing at a grand prix, as he was when Takuma Sato fell ill in Malaysia last season.

"We have said many times how important Anthony?EUR(TM)s contribution has been over the past few years, to both our progress and competitiveness," pointed out sporting director Gil de Ferran, "so we are delighted that he accepted our offer to remain with the team as our third driver for 2006.

"Although we all know that Anthony aspires to be a Formula One race driver, and we are all confident that this will happen eventually, his role at Honda Racing is crucial to us this season."

Honda's decision paves the way for Aguri Suzuki to reveal an all-Japanese line-up when his team is finally granted an F1 entry, even if India's Narain Karthikeyan apparently remains in frame to partner Takuma Sato. Kosuke Matsuura, Sakon Yamamoto and Yuji Ide are expected to be the main contenders for the second race seat.