Super Aguri hoping to retain Sato

The Honda-backed team were set up to help keep Sato in F1 and, after resurrecting his career, the Japanese driver is now hot property after some strong performances this year.

In Canada last weekend he overtook both Ralf Schumacher and Fernando Alonso on his way to sixth place - his and the team's best result in Formula One so far.

Super Aguri managing director Daniel Audetto said he hoped Sato would choose to remain at the team, but knew there was no guarantee yet.

"You have to remember this team has been built around Taku," Audetto told autosport.com. "Without Taku this team would not exist and without this team Taku would not be in a good team.

"But you know at the end of the day, a driver and team situation is like when you marry. You marry for life but you never know. I hope we will stay together a long time. Taku is doing the best for us but you never say no.

"I believe Taku is at his very best, the motivation and speed and confidence he has is psychologically a good result for him. And for the Japanese media, for Honda and for Bridgestone, to have Taku in the points is the best publicity they could have."