Sato Says Not to Blame for Accident

BAR-Honda driver Takuma Sato claimed he was not to blame for a bizarre accident during today's practice for the United States Grand Prix.

Sato collided with Sauber's Felipe Massa in the second session after the Japanese driver dived down the inside of the Brazilian at the first corner. Massa spun but could continue while Sato's car stopped off the track, forcing the session to be red-flagged.

"I think officially in Turn 11, the corner before the banking area, I think Massa locked up the front tyres and ran wide on the circuit," said Sato. "Then when he came back, between us, there was a big speed difference, so I think I caught him up fairly rapidly into the banking area.

"I was being towed, and I saw a couple of the blue flags waving, and I thought naturally, I would go into turn one as if I'm overtaking him. It was a totally unnecessary movement, and unfortunately, we both touched. To me, it was really unbelievable.

"I wasn't trying to overtake him. I was just catching him because he was slowing in the banking area. I just caught him and had to change lanes. That was it. I thought he would admit it, because he knew I was behind. But he did not. It's not racing, so it's totally unnecessary."

Massa branded Sato "mad" following the incident. Both men were summoned by the race stewards, who deemed no action was required. Sato finished practice in 14th spot, while his BAR teammate Jenson Button was fifth fastest.