Sato's not giving up on F1

TAKUMA SATO

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Thursday 8th May 2008

Takuma Sato has no intention of retiring from Formula One despite this week's demise of Super Aguri.

The Japanese team, run by former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki, folded on Tuesday due to mounting financial difficulties and with parent company Honda no longer prepared to foot the bill.

Sato, who has contested 90 grands prix since his debut with Jordan in 2002, scored Super Aguri's first point a year ago at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Twelve months on the 31-year-old now finds himself looking for another job, but with a determination to remain in F1.

"It is incredible to think just one year ago we scored our first point, and the emotion and excitement of that moment has turned to such disappointment just one year on," said Sato.

"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 of retiring 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."

Sato is the most-successful Japanese driver in Formula One history having claimed a podium in the United States GP in 2004 with BAR Honda, and amassing 44 points in total throughout his career.

As Sato has long been associated with Honda, the Japanese giants appear to be his only hope of returning to F1, yet that remains a long shot.

For now, Sato concedes to being "sad and disappointed" at Super Aguri's exit.

"I realised the situation for the team was very difficult, but I really hoped that all the parties involved would find a solution," added Sato.

"Unfortunately, for whatever reason this has not happened.

"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 in the short life of the SAF1 team."

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