The consolation prize for Sato: Red Bull reserve driver

Takuma Sato seems destined for the role of reserve driver for the Red Bull team for the 2009 season.

The Japanese driver conducted several tests this year and at the end of 2008 for Toro Rosso in order to secure a racing driver position with the small Scuderia. In the end, he lost the battle to the Frenchman, Sébastien Bourdais.

However, Dietrich Mateschitz wants to retain the abilities of the 32-year-old driver, who has participated in 93 races in his career. He wants to take advantage of his incredible popularity in the land of the rising sun to penetrate further into the energy drink market with Red Bull.

Sato will have to attend all races and be ready to step in at a moment’s notice to replace either a Red Bull Racing driver or a Toro Rosso driver, if necessary.

It is even possible that he will drive the new STR4 from Toro Rosso next week during the tests in Barcelona, Spain.