DECEMBER 7, 2000

Sato becomes youngest Japanese driver to test

TAKUMA SATO became the youngest Japanese driver to test a Formula One car on Thursday when he was given a chance in a Jordan during testing at Jerez, Spain.

The 23-year-old, who competed in the British Formula Three Championship in 2000, tried out a Formula One car for the first time and was delighted to be given an opportunity to further his motor racing experience.

"It is fantastic to have been given such an opportunity," Sato said. "It is a big step for me.

"I found the Jordan-Honda EJ10 to have lots of power and amazing downforce and braking - it is very different to Formula Three."