Sato in talks with Toro Rosso

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Wednesday 27th August 2008

Toro Rosso have confirmed they held talks with Takuma Sato about a possible return to Formula One next year.

The Japanese driver has been in the wilderness since Super Aguri folded in May while Sebastian Vettel's impending departure to Red Bull has left Toro Rosso with a vacant race seat for next season.

An official from Toro Rosso told Reuters a test has yet to be agreed with the 31-year-old.

"We have had talks but there is nothing to confirm yet," a spokeswoman said.

Sato's manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott says they would jump at a chance to test for STR.

"If we had the chance to test with them, then we'd be delighted to do so," he said.

Red Bull's Swiss junior driver Sebastien Buemi is also a candidate to replace Vettel in 2009.

Team co-owner and former F1 driver Gerhard Berger confirmed to Autosport that Buemi will be evaluated during testing in Spain.

"We are going to test him at Jerez," Berger said.

"The ideal situation would be a young driver and an experienced one," he said. "We are putting everyone on the list who is free, but there is no clear option at this stage. We will take our time."