Takuma Sato Expects a Race Seat in 2004

By Phil Huff
April 14 2003

Lucky Strike BAR Honda test driver, and reserve driver, Takuma Sato believes he'll be in a race seat at British American Racing next year.

Refusing to say whether he'll be replacing current drivers Jacques Villeneuve or Jenson Button, Takuma told the Australian Associated Press "I have a three year deal with BAR, of which only one year is as third driver. So put it this way - I expect to race for the team in 2004. I don't want to say any more about that, but I expect to race for the team in 2004."

The highly rated Japanese star showed great promise at Jordan, but struggled with an ill-handling EJ12. The Jordan testing budget was slashed early in the year when Deutsche Post pulled out, meaning development of the car stopped, something Takuma regrets. Speaking of his role at BAR, he says "One thing that I've never had a chance to do is develop a car throughout a year."

Sato is closely linked to engine partner Honda, who now exclusively supply BAR, and will be travelling to the all the Grands Prix in 2003 as reserve and test driver.