Will we see Takuma Sato again in 2009 ?

Takuma Sato will get another chance to resurrect his Formula One career when he tests for a second time with Toro Rosso in Spain later this month. According to his management, Sato will join the team at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on November 17-19.The Japanese driver is hoping to break back into the sport after the demise of Super Aguri left him without a drive following April’s Spanish Grand Prix. He has already tested with Toro Rosso once this year.“We are extremely happy to announce that Takuma will be testing again for Toro Rosso in Barcelona," a brief statement read.

"This test follows the previous short test in Jerez on 18 September, at which Takuma impressed the team with his speed and approach."

Toro Rosso have yet to decide on their driver line up for the 2009 season. We would like to thank all the fans, as ever, for their fantastic support for Takuma and look forward to more good news soon."

With Sebastian Vettel moving to Red Bull and team mate Sebastien Bourdais yet to be reconfirmed, Toro Rosso have at least one race seat vacant for next season.

Official Statement From Takuma Sato

What can I say except that I am so sad and disappointed that the Super Aguri F1 team has had to withdraw from F1.

I realised that the situation for the team was very difficult but I really hoped that all the parties involved would find a solution. Unfortunately for whatever reasons this has not happened...
With all the problems going on I have just tried to stay optimistic and focus on supporting the team in any way I can.
Super Aguri has always been a small team but with a big heart and mega spirits. Every single person at Leafield did the most amazing job when the team started two and a half years ago by getting us to the grid in just four months, finishing in the top ten in our very first year and scoring four points last season. They are a group of real professionals who can do almost the impossible.
I have massive respect for everything that Aguri san has done for us; he has worked so hard to keep things going. I will also never forget all the team members who have put so much effort into this team and would like to thank them for what was achieved it the short life of the SAF1 team. It is incredible to think that just one year ago we scored our first ever point and the emotion and excitement of that moment has turned to such disappointment just one year on. At this time I am not sure what will happen next as I have been concentrating all my efforts on racing for SAF1. I will be looking at my options with my manager and will make an announcement once it is appropriate.

However, I have no intention to retire from F1. I feel I am driving at the top of my game and want to give so much more to my fans and supporters in Japan and worldwide who have been so incredibly supportive to me during my whole career.

Takuma Sato

8 May 2008

Super Aguri's F1 future in doubt

The struggling Super Aguri Formula One team said on Wednesday they were considering their future after the collapse of a planned rescue deal.

"Super Aguri F1 team confirms that it has been informed by Magma Group, the potential purchasers of the team, that its investors no longer wish to fund the intended acquisition," the Japanese team said in a statement.

"It is with deep regret that Aguri Suzuki is now forced to consider the future of the team," it added. "However negotiations with other parties continue."

It said a further statement would be issued in due course.

A team source told Reuters that there was now a real risk that Super Aguri would not be able to race in next week's Spanish Grand Prix.

Super Aguri, who barely tested pre-season due to financial constraints, have not joined others in testing at the Circuit de Catalunya this week.

With the cars and spares due to be flown to Barcelona on Saturday for the first race of the year in Europe after three long-haul rounds, the team are in a race against time.

"This could mean that we don't go to the race," said the source.

"Maybe we need a bit more backing from Honda to get us to Barcelona...Our future could be in Honda's hands now, and Bernie's I suppose," the source added, referring to Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

There was no immediate comment from Magma, who had hoped to finalise the purchase by the end of last month.

The group is run by Martin Leach, a former president of Ford Europe as well as ex-chief executive of Maserati and ex-managing director of Mazda Japan.

While they have given no details of their financing plans, media reports have linked Magma to investors in Dubai.

The company's Ultramotive division are based at the same Leafield facility in central England used by Super Aguri and the now-defunct Arrows before them.

Super Aguri, whose drivers are Japan's Takuma Sato and Britain's Anthony Davidson, had hoped the takeover would secure a stable platform for the future after scraping through last season.

The team, founded by former racer Aguri Suzuki, finished ninth of the 11 teams in 2007.