No hard feelings over Sato, says Pollock

Sato, who has signed a two-year deal with the Jordan team, tested for BAR throughout this year, but with the Brackley-based squad's driver line-up of Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis set for 2002, there was nowhere for the young Japanese ace to step up to.

Jordan has therefore snapped up the 24-year-old, who dominated this year's British Formula 3 Championship to take the title 82 points ahead of team mate and fellow BAR tester Anthony Davidson. And BAR has wished Sato well with his new team.

"When Takuma first tested for us last year his talent was immediately apparent," said Pollock. "And we were delighted to sign him as one of our test drivers this season. His excellent testing progress this year, coupled with his impressive Formula 3 Championship win, have secured him a well-deserved drive with the Honda-powered Jordan team.

"We are extremely happy to have helped Takuma on his way to what I'm sure will be a very successful Formula 1 career. We all wish him the very best of luck for the future."

BAR and Jordan are currently equal fifth in the constructors' championship on 17 points apiece and both teams will be keen to finish the season ahead with Honda thought to be looking to reduce its engine supply to just one team for 2003.