Japan: Takuma Sato talks about 2006

By Phil Huff
October 7 2005

Takuma Sato sat alongside Honda's Yasuhiro Wada in the Friday Five press conference today, talking about his season, what he's learned and, again, the mysterious 'B' team.

Takuma, what are your plans for next year?

Such a straight question, isn't it? I can't say a lot at this stage. The only thing I can say is what Wada-san said. Honda had a press conference on Tuesday in Tokyo where they (said they will) supply an engine. Obviously I've had an offer. After Brazil, a lot of things have happened so quickly and I'm obviously very excited about this offer and I have more options for next year. I am expecting to race in 2006, whether with a new team or an existing team, and I really want to be racing next year. So having had this great opportunity and more options, it's just such exciting information. But obviously there's still this weekend at Suzuka and also Shanghai and as I am still a BAR Honda driver, I will give 100 percent commitment for these two Grands Prix and then I will think about it very carefully as to what is the best for me next season.

Could you summarise this season for you? Has it been very disappointing?

In a way I am obviously disappointed I didn't get the results I wanted. Obviously we had a successful season in 2004 and unfortunately we couldn't carry that huge momentum into 2005. But having had a really difficult season in the beginning, I think we made a really good step forward in the second half of the season. We showed a really good performance and were very confident with that, that we can do a really good job with the team, especially in the last two races.

This race last year was very important to you, a good weekend; what are your feelings this year?

Again, luckily I have had really good opportunities to race in Suzuka than at any other circuit. 2002 was a really amazing weekend, 2003 was such a big surprise for me and 2004 we had the best package at that time, so we were very surprised. And again, in 2005, strictly speaking, technically we face a harder challenge than last year but we have learned so many things and fundamentally the team is much stronger now and so am I. So really, looking at the fans who are supporting us this weekend is incredible, so I really want to do my best race at this Grand Prix.

What has been the most significant point this season for you?

Well, it's a significant point. There are a few, but I think at the moment I've only got an eighth place, one point, unfortunately and lots of dramas happened with lots of difficult circumstances. But to me that point is more than just a number. It is so important and obviously I want to get more in these next two Grands Prix.

Maybe I shouldn't have said points, what is the most significant and important feature of this year for you?

I know, that's why I answered like this! It should be now, really. After Brazil, the circumstances were difficult for the teams and drivers and everybody but we had that in Brazil. It is a shame and disappointing that I can't be a member of the BAR Honda (team) next year, but now as a career I have more open doors and I can develop my own future and that is why, after Brazil, mentally and physically, I'm more committed than ever.

What have you learned from this year?

Every day is so important: improving something, learning something. In terms of the racing point of view, obviously we have had a really difficult and tough season, so we've really kept building. Another year's really good experience, and in some ways, I really wanted to do this one for the future.

Hopes for 2006?

Racing. I think I am really concentrating on these two Grands Prix and we will make the best possible option for 2006 and then we can really think it was the best performance, the best out of it in 2006. But at the moment, the main target is racing in 2006.