Sato sticks to his guns

Sato has now had the opportunity to study videos of the incident, in which he made contact with Barrichello's Ferrari at Turn 1 and had to stop to replace a damaged wing.

"My opinion has not changed," he said. "I was confident that I had an opportunity because the Michelin tyre works very well on an 'out lap' and then the next lap, and I had really great grip. It might have looked like I came from a long way back, but I never locked up, never went sideways, and was under full control. I was very happy with that manoeuvre. It looked like Rubens braked quite early to me and there was a big gap inside, so I went for it."

Sato added that his stirring performances have apparently greatly increased the level of interest in F1 in Japan, even if he hasn't personally been back to his native land since the start of the season in Melbourne.

"I have heard a lot of stories from the people in Japan though," he said. "I think the Japanese fans are very excited about it and people not interested in F1 before are starting to look, which is great news. I am looking forward to going to Suzuka, of course, but it is very exciting at BAR right now and every grand prix is the same for me."