Sato learns new circuits

While other drivers have been busy with sponsor events or relaxing in sunny climates, Takuma chose to spend his time off learning two circuits for the upcoming German and Hungarian Grands Prix.

The weekend after the British Grand Prix, he made flying visits to Hockenheim and Hungaroring with a hire car, to check out the tracks, both of which are new to him. The trip to Hungary was plagued by wet weather, but Takuma found a silver lining: "It was good to find out where the water flows and collects on the track surface, which might be useful if the Grand Prix happens to be wet, but other than that, I did 20 useful laps! It's a bit like a go-kart track, good fun to drive but not the most difficult F1 track."

Not many F1 drivers have seen the new GP circuit at Hockenheim, which has undergone significant modifications since last year's German Grand Prix, with a lot of the long straights, characteristic of the original design, having been cut out.

Takuma raced at Hockenheim three years ago in Formula Opel, albeit on the old short track. The new circuit layout, designed by Hermann Tilke, has met with approval from Jean Alesi and Ralf Schumacher. Takuma was pretty impressed too: "The new Hockenheim track is big, wide and quick! The GP track is completely new for me and everyone else, so we will all have to spend a bit of time learning it. I can't wait to drive there on 26 to 28 July!"

-jordan-