So why wasn't Takuma Sato in Monaco?

By pitpass.com (03/06/2003)
June 3 2003

Following Jenson Button's accident during practice on Saturday one of the first questions being asked - once it was clear that the English youngster would take no part in qualifying - was where was the team's official third driver Takuma Sato.

Under normal circumstances the Japanese driver should have been at the circuit ready to qualify and race if required.

When Geoff Willis was interviewed about the crash ahead of qualifying he was asked about Sato but declined to comment saying that question should be aimed at the team's management.

Today (Tuesday), Sato's management has issued the following statement:

"We would like to thank everyone for their interest in Taku not being able to compete in Monaco this weekend.

"It is always the teams decision whether to bring a driver to each race but in the case of BAR the policy is to leave Taku at home for the European races and call him up if there is an emergency. Taku travels to all six long-haul races but is able to get to the European races very quickly if needed.

"In Monaco this weekend, it is important to remember that Taku would have had to qualify on Saturday in order to be allowed to race on Sunday. BAR expected Jenson to be fit to race on Sunday so the decision to call on Taku was not made by the team.

"Please be assured that Taku is still very much a part of the BAR team and is fit and ready to race at a moments notice if required.

"He is as disappointed as anyone that he could not compete in Monaco this weekend.

"Finally Taku and his team are very happy that Jenson was not injured in his accident and that he will return to the cockpit in Monza testing this week."

A moment's notice? clearly not.

Meanwhile BAR seem to have shot themselves in the foot too, what's the point in having a third driver if he's not there?

This article was written by pitpass.com and is used with permission.