I Will Need Time to Succeed, Says Sato

Japanese driver Takuma Sato says he needs time before he can be successful in Formula One, as the 24-year old gets ready for his first Grand Prix year with Jordan in 2002.

The current British Formula Three champion will replace Frenchman Jean Alesi at the wheel of the second Jordan next season, driving alongside Italian Giancarlo Fisichella.

But Sato, who won the British championship in style after scoring twelve victories, has called for time before he can make his mark in Formula One.

"I am proud for Japan," Sato said. "I know it means a lot to the country and I will do all I can to win races. But I will need to learn first. I am glad to be Japanese and to have this chance. I know that other drivers have struggled to make the best of it and maybe they have not had the best chances to succeed. This is a real opportunity for me and I want to take it.

"I am happy, too, because I think I have succeeded now through talent and not through someone's money. That is good for me."

Sato admitted that the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna has been his inspiration during his short racing career, and also thanked new team boss Eddie Jordan for tipping him as a potential World Champion.

"For me, the biggest inspiration has been Ayrton Senna - he was my hero," Sato said of the legendary Brazilian, who was killed in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. "He was so fast in the wet and the dry. He was a great hero for me.

"It was difficult for me to start at 19, so late, but I have worked hard to overcome that and it is very nice of Eddie Jordan to say that I have the potential to be a World Champion. I will just do my best."