China: Takuma Sato out to prove a point

By Phil Huff
October 13 2005

Takuma Sato intends to bring his BAR Honda career to a close at Shanghai with a strong race as the Formula One season reaches its conclusion.

"I am absolutely determined to have a strong race in my final grand prix for BAR Honda," says the Japanese star. "Shanghai is an extremely impressive circuit in terms of the facilities and challenging track layout. Last year I had a good race from the back of the grid, and there are a number of good overtaking opportunities at this circuit.

"After positive tests during the past month, we believe we should have a strong package, so I am very excited about the last race of 2005."

At last year's Chinese race, Sato started from 18th on the grid following a Honda engine failure. He fought throughout the race to sixth, holding off world champion Michael Schumacher in the process, and contributing to BAR Honda's strongest ever race finish.

The Shanghai event will mark Takuma's 34th, and final, BAR Honda outing. In that time he's secured 38 points, with one podium finish.