OCTOBER 6, 2004

No surprises for Sato

Takuma Sato has a year to go on his contract with British American Racing and there are no plans to change that situation. Sato has had a promising year with the team but has been overshadowed somewhat by the more experienced Jenson Button. However his performances have become steadier in the course of the year and he is now a regular point scorer. It is hoped that he will soon be in a position to match the performance of Button on a more regular basis.

If Button wins the case currently at the Contract Recognition Board Sato could emerge as the BAR team leader next year although there is not real indication who would get the drive if Button did depart. Our sources at BAR say that Anthony Davidson, the team's test driver, is the most likely candidate although there might be commercial pressures to take another driver. The board will decide on the issue on October 16.