Sato aiming to match Fisichella in 2002

Sato dominated this year's British Formula 3 Championship and has been snapped up by the Jordan-Honda squad for 2002. And while much is expected of him, he has set his sites on matching Fisichella.

"Of course my main aim is to do a good job in Formula 1," Sato told Autosport.com. "But I think the most important thing is to reach the same level as my team mate Fisichella by the end of next year."

Sato dovetailed several F1 tests for British American Racing with his F3 campaign this year, but he will not be allowed to get behind the wheel for Jordan until the winter testing ban comes to an end at the beginning of January.

The 24-year-old is aiming to end his season on a high by competing in the prestigious Macau F3 Grand Prix this weekend. He will be up against the best F3 drivers from around the world and as a confirmed F1 driver, he will the man everyone will be trying to shoot down.

"Although I have got my deal for Formula 1, I am still a Formula 3 driver," he said. "I know in the past some F3 champions have avoided coming to Macau because people expect them to win and if you lose, then many bad things can be said. But that is not in my thoughts. I just want to race, that is the most important thing."

For a full Macau preview Q&A with Takuma Sato, click here.