Sato: Feeling of a driver about to leave?

Takuma Sato asks Honda leaders to give Super-Aguri a chance to continue its adventure in Formula 1 as talks that will decide the team’s future are about to begin.

Super-Aguri fights to stay alive as Honda’s board must make a decision within the next 48 hours on whether to accept the rescue plan proposed by the German automotive company Weigl Group.

Furthermore, on Sunday access to the Istanbul paddocks was denied to Super Aguri’s trucks and other motorhomes. Sato is therefore asking for full support from Honda.

« Clearly, Honda has always been at the heart of the Super-Aguri team. We have always worked closely together, » said Sato in an interview on his official website.

« We have shown over the past two years how we can be a whole team. I believe we can be very competitive. »

He added: « We need Honda’s support more than ever. I hope the leaders will be able to find a satisfactory solution. »

Sato admits that the team’s future is, for the moment, uncertain but he believes that Weigl’s offer is both attractive and serious.

I met Weigl at the Spanish Grand Prix and he has a genuine passion for the team even with its current difficulties. He does not seem daunted by the upcoming challenge. He understands our philosophy and would be a great partner for the team.

And despite the difficulties, Sato claims not to consider the possibility that Super-Aguri might disappear from the F1 world.

« I really don’t want to think about this subject, I have to stay focused on the race. »

« I am already looking forward to the 2009 Suzuka Grand Prix. I know the importance of this event for Honda, the fans, and of course for myself. The idea of not being there is inconceivable to me, » concluded Takuma Sato.