Takuma Sato, who was disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix for colliding with Jarno Trulli’s Toyota, has refused to apologise to the Italian and, according to reports, Honda might punish the Nippon by dropping him from its Chinese GP lineup.
Takuma Sato, who was disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix for colliding with Jarno Trulli’s Toyota, has refused to apologise to the Italian and, according to reports, BAR Honda might punish the Nippon by dropping him from its Chinese Grand Prix lineup.
Reports hint that BAR and Honda executives are furious about 28-year-old Sato’s disastrous driving at Suzuka. BAR Honda test driver Anthony Davidson is reportedly “on standby” in case Sato is put on the bench for this weekend’s race in Shanghai.
Although the Brackley-based team – already facing a backlash in Japan after dumping the Japanese driver for 2006 – named Sato in Monday’s pre-race preview, reported that team chiefs were considering putting Davidson, who has links with both Jordan and the unnamed Honda-backed eleventh team for next year, in the BAR 007 for Sunday’s season-ending race.
“I have never been more ready,” the 26-year-old Davidson said. “My problem is that people doubt whether I can race. I am anxious to get one last chance before this season is over.”
Meanwhile, Trulli and Sato have discussed the incident that saw the latter excluded from the race result.
Asked how the chat went, Trulli said: “He never understands. He does not think, he never uses his intelligence. He never listens.”
The Italian said there were “lots” of F1 drivers who agreed that Sato “is dangerous”. “He didn’t say sorry,” Trulli added.
But Toyota boss, Tsutomu Tomita, also didn’t hold back in slamming his 28-year-old compatriot. “Sato goes beyond being enthusiastic. It’s flat out dangerous. I’m extremely annoyed.”