13-Jul-08: Sato Discusses His Future Plans
Today is the 13th July 2008, and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
Although his team had to leave the sport early, Takuma Sato is doing his best not to become an ex-F1 driver. The former Super Aguri star has said he’s looking at all opportunities that come his way and deciding which will be the best route back.
Talking to Autosport, he said that he doesn’t really want to do anything other than race. “That’s our main target, but we will consider a test driver seat if there is nothing else available. That’s something I would have to think about much later on if everything else was closed off. Until then I will wait and see.”
Sato also said that he’s had some interest from other single seater series, particularly from the US. Although he hasn’t flat out refused the offers, his main focus lies on getting back into Formula 1. He didn’t want to name names when it comes to who he is talking to within the paddock, saying it’s too soon for lineups to be decided for next year. I would have to argue and say that teams are constantly assessing their future drivers, as the recent Red Bull announcements show. Let me know what you think at F1Minute.com.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
Greg on Sun, 13th Jul 2008 23:49
After seeing Sato run so strong back in his BAR days I really don’t want to see him move to the U.S. open wheel series where I feel his talent and experience would be less than best implemented. As far as staying in F1 I think that despite the Red Bull position being pretty much a lock for Vettel there are more than a few scenarios that could play out with teams I can see him driving for which include Renault, Toro Russo, or even Force India.
Steven Roy on Mon, 14th Jul 2008 16:58
The only way I can see him getting back in is if Renault use him to try to rope Nissan in to paying a chunk of their budget. He never lived up to his early reputation. He is an ex-GP driver. He just hasn’t realised it yet.
Christine on Tue, 15th Jul 2008 08:06
I guess the masses of Japanese support he would bring with him will help, but teams may also be wary of getting too involved in that. They don’t want to end up building a second team around him, do they?