Takuma Sato not interested in F1 return bid despite IndyCar form

The 36-year-old former Jordan, BAR/Honda and Super Aguri driver leads the IndyCar standings and claimed his maiden series win in Long Beach last month after switching to the legendary AJ Foyt's team.

He is now in his fourth season in IndyCar and sees the category as his long-term future.

"My whole focus is Indy now, 100 per cent," said Sato when asked if he had aspirations of returning to F1.

"F1 was great, but I think the job to be done is here.

"I'm really happy where I am and looking for a long future in IndyCar."

Sato F1 career ended after 90 starts when the Super Aguri team closed down following the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix.

He came close to a return with Toro Rosso in 2009 after testing for the Red Bull-owned outfit, but missed out on the drive to Sebastien Bourdais.

F1 OVER AFTER MISSING TORO ROSSO SEAT

Sato admits that Toro Rosso's decision not to give him the seat was a shock and that despite being in contention for a seat with the Lotus (now Caterham) team for 2010, this effectively marked the end of his grand prix career.

"The day Super Aguri had to pull out for financial reasons was a really sad moment for everyone.

"It was an unfinished job in F1 for me, so I tried to come back for nearly two seasons.

"I had a huge opportunity with Toro Rosso, thanks to Red Bull.

"We had successful winter testing but unfortunately, at the end of the day, for some reason that did not happen.

"That was a really shocking moment.

"Then, after that, I had a little opportunity but it just didn't happen.

"Formula 1 is Formula 1, it's great, but Formula 1 isn't the only racing and I was always interested in Indy."

Sato is currently practicing ahead of the Indianapolis 500, a race he came close to winning last year.