Sato upbeat after Toro Rosso test

Sato was invited back for his second test with the outfit this week, as the Faenza-based squad ponder their driver options for next year.

Although Sebastien Buemi is expected to secure one of the seats at the team, Sato is locked in a fight with Sebastien Bourdais for the other drive.

And Sato's hopes may be boosted by the fact that Red Bull are looking at making major inroads into the Japanese soft drinks market - something that would be helped massively if they sign the former Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri racer.

Speaking about his running in Jerez this week, Sato said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience with Toro Rosso and would like to thank the whole team for everything they have done for me.

"Over the three tests I have done with them, I have been made to feel so welcome and integrated into the team operations."

And he thinks that his return to the cockpit, which comes after Super Aguri collapsed earlier this year, has made him even more motivated to get a race seat again.

"Since my last race back in April I have been so hungry to race again and am so motivated to return. Now of course, I just hope that I will be given the chance to race with this great team next year.

"I feel that I am satisfied with the whole working process with engineers, mechanics and of course in the cockpit during the test - even after my long absence from F1, so hope it will be enough to convince the management for their decision."