Sato confident STR can keep up in 2009

The 31-year-old, who is a strong contender to land an STR race seat, started his third test outing for the Faenza-based team today at Jerez and believes that despite the challenge of new regulations they will continue to make progress in 2009.

"They have been consistently moving up in Formula One, which is a very difficult thing to do," Sato told autosport.com. "They never go down - every single time they go forward and I strongly believe that they can do that as well in 2009.

"The absolute numbers depend on how what the other teams do, but I strongly believe Toro Rosso will do the best job possible."

Sato added that he has been impressed with the way Toro Rosso operate and that he is hoping for the opportunity to race for the team next year.

Both Sebastien Buemi - who is almost certain to land one of the team's seats - and Sebastien Bourdais are also in action at Jerez, but despite the pressure of competing for a race seat, Sato says he is enjoying the experience of working with the team.

"I really enjoy driving the car, working with the team - the whole process," he said. "Of course, the number of drivers is more than the two drivers available so you know you are competing against somebody.

"But once I get in the car I simply enjoy it. I certainly feel on the track and on the human side with the team it is extremely positive. It is just a matter of waiting on how the management will decide the drivers."

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz last month suggested that a final decision on its driver line-up would be taken after the Jerez test.