Takuma Sato’s chances of participating in the 2009 season of the Formula One just got dimmer, with the former Super Aguri F1 driver revealing that he was no longer in the running for the position of reserve driver with Red Bull Racing.
Despite testing thrice during winter for Scuderia Toro Rosso , Red Bull’s Formula One team, Sato, who was a strong contender for the 2009 opening position was ruled out when Red Bull signed Sebastien Bourdais instead. With Bourdais partnering new Red Bull driver Sebastien Buemi, Sato has to now look for other options to return to the Formula One scene. Prior to this, Sato was a permanent fixture in the Formula One with Super Aguri, ever since 2003.
Talking about the situation, Sato remarked, “I am no longer in negotiation with the Toro Rosso or Red Bull teams about their third driver positions. I am very disappointed that we were not able to come to an agreement with them but you never know what is around the corner. As everyone knows, I never give up so we are still looking for the best options for the future.”