Honda Teams to Have Equal Status Despite Sato Move

Honda racing boss Kazutoshi Nishizawa has said that Takuma Sato's move to Jordan will not affect how the engine maker treat the two teams they will supply to next season.

Sato, who is considered by many observers to be the best talent Japan has produced in motor racing after winning the British Formula Three title this year with a record number of wins, will drive for the Silverstone-based team in 2002.

But Nishizawa has claimed that both Jordan and Honda-powered rivals BAR will get the same treatment despite the Japanese driver's entry.

"They have equal status, there won't be any difference," Nishizawa said today in Japan, adding his congratulations to Sato. "We at Honda are particularly happy because he's a graduate."

The Honda official also said that both their teams would be using a "Suzuka Special" engine for the season-ending race in their backyard.

"We made a reasonable step so I hope it helps our teams this weekend," he said. "Not a little step, a reasonable step."