Toro Rosso Jerez test notes 2008-09-18

Circuit: Jerez de la Frontera 4.423 kms

Driver: Takuma Sato
Chassis STR3-02
Best time: 1:19.574, 49 laps

After Red Bull family member, Sebastien Buemi drove for us yesterday, today it was the turn of a more established F1 name to try the cockpit of the STR3, in the shape of Takuma Sato.

Sato san, who last raced in F1 in this year's Spanish Grand Prix spent the early part of the session, working on set-up to get a feel for the car, while also completing an aero test which produced positive results. The team was pleased with the work he did, clearly demonstrating his previous experience in a grand prix car. However, when the rain arrived mid-afternoon, it was decided to bring the test to an end, as the team had nothing to evaluate in wet conditions and did not want to take any risks with a driver new to the car.

"At the start of the day we were collecting aero data. Then by the end of the morning we began timed runs, so I could really feel the car and I started to enjoy the laps," commented Takuma after the test.

"Unfortunately in the afternoon it started to rain so we had to stop, that was a great shame, as I was looking forward to proper running in the afternoon. Although I couldn't complete the day due to the weather conditions, I really enjoyed driving the STR3. I would like to say a big thank you to Red Bull and to the team for giving me this great opportunity."

-credit: toro rosso