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[EwanM]

Sato in talks over reserve driver role

By Jonathan Noble and Gerhard Kuntschik Thursday, February 12th 2009, 14:38 GMT


Takuma Sato is in talks with Red Bull chiefs about a role as the official reserve driver for both of the company's Formula One teams this year, autosport.com has learned.

The Japanese driver missed out in the battle for the second Scuderia Toro Rosso race seat to Sebastien Bourdais, but could yet end up working with the outfit.

Autosport.com understands he is currently in discussions about a reserve role for Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso, which could see him drafted into action should any of the team's regulars be unable to compete.

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz has confirmed the talks, and admitted that although not chosen for a race seat there was still interest in using the Japanese.

"He has a good reputation in Japan," said Mateschitz. "He could work with us very well".

Sato is currently weighing up his options for 2009, with his priority to return to racing for the first time since Super Aguri folded at the start of last year.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73246

[f1ea]

That's not too bad. IMO don't think he is a top candidate for an official driving seat (because there are many other better candidates). But as a reserve/test driver he may not be so bad, AND if he shows he's matured as a driver then who knows, maybe one day he'll take Heikki's place in Mclaren

[Jabberwocky]

Lets face it I am sure that if any of us where that close to F1, then I think I would grasp onto any straw I could to stay there

[7UpJordan]

Sato should go join Ralf in DTM.

[dwightschultz]

C'mon Sato is not that bad and seems like he still has some life in him. One thing I commend him on is that he didn't sell out to Nascar, DTM or other series. He sticks to his guns wanting a drive in F1. But after Honda leaving it might be rough for him. Maybe he should go an visit the Toyota offices??

[McLaren Fan]

Sato is now coming across as desperate and easy. He is completely embarrassing himself.

[Hanwombat]

Yes join Ralf Can have your own little loser team

[Jabberwocky]

I always imagined Touring Cars to suit Sato's driving style. As Cole Trickle once said "Rubbing is racing Harry"

[bud]

Tenacious-T

[7UpJordan]

I always imagined Touring Cars to suit Sato's driving style. As Cole Trickle once said "Rubbing is racing Harry"

Yes, Sato would be right at home in the BTCC, and as Richard Hammon kept saying in the last series of Top Gear when they had a BTCC feature, "I can't quite put my finger on why..." whilst they showed tonnes of footage of crashes.

[digitaleye]

F1 refugees don't seem to do very well in "tin-top" series no matter where they go. If Sato gives good feedback as a tester I think he'd be better off in that role than getting shown up in the DTM , BTCC or even Nascar. In the latter he would certainly be a novelty and could garner a lot of interest but , alas, he's a Honda man and its Toyota that has a presence in Nascar. I don't think the Japanese believe in switching loyalties like that.Hey, maybe there's room for him in IndyCar, thats a Honda series He could probably keep up with those guys.

[8-ball]

Another story about Takuma Sato

[Rivelution]

You know you really have to admire his determination, but why does he want to go back to F1? To accomplish nothing again?

[digitaleye]

You know you really have to admire his determination, but why does he want to go back to F1? To accomplish nothing again?

Isn't simply being in F1 accomplishing something?

[Rivelution]

You know you really have to admire his determination, but why does he want to go back to F1? To accomplish nothing again?

Isn't simply being in F1 accomplishing something?

It is, but he's close to 100 starts in F1 and accomplished what?