Interview with Takuma Sato

Interview with Jordan driver Takuma Sato

How do you feel about the new car?

TS: I have a very good feeling about it. Everything is new, chassis, monocoque and engine, so we did have some initial problems in testing, which is typical with a new car. But now we have sorted them. The car's downforce level seems much higher than on EJ11.

Takuma Sato.

Photo by Jordan Grand Prix.

Do you feel confident driving it?

TS: At the beginning of testing, the car felt a little bit nervous. Then we made a lot of improvements. At Silverstone in the last test, we have made a big step forward and for example, the car feels a lot more stable. The whole aero package is better than before and it feels very good in high speed corners.

How do you feel about the new Honda engine?

TS: It sounds really beautiful with a great exhaust noise! It feels very smooth. Because the engine is a new concept, Honda knows it still has plenty of development in hand.

How do you feel about tackling your first GP in Melbourne in a week's time?

TS: I am really looking forward to it. I am a bit nervous about my first GP start. I hope we can be somewhere near the front, but we still have work to do.

How many race distances have you done in testing?

TS: I have only done one full race distance, last Tuesday,. It went off without a problem and I felt fine physically at the end of it. We have done a lot of long run tests, similar to a race distance so I think we are okay on that front.

Q)Pit stops will be a new experience for you. How do you feel about that?

TS: It is a new thing for me, but it's doable! The biggest change for me will be the increased level of technology in F1. Melbourne will be difficult as I have never been there before. It will be tough but I am optimistic.

Apparently you had problems getting comfortable in the car?

TS: Yes, but that's all sorted now.

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