Pollock Tips Sato for F1 Success

British American Racing boss Craig Pollock believes a year with his Brackley-based team has guided Takuma Sato on his way to future stardom.

Sato, 24, will drive for Jordan in 2002 after switching between the Honda-powered rival teams, and Pollock knows that the Japanese star has had good grounding.

"When Takuma first tested for us last year his talent was immediately apparent," said Pollock. "We were delighted to sign him as one of our test drivers. We are extremely happy to have helped Takuma on his way to what I am sure will be a very successful Formula One career.

"His excellent testing progress this year, coupled with his impressive Formula Three championship win have secured him a well-deserved drive and we all wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Sato tested for Jordan in December last year, but was chosen by BAR as a test driver for the 2001 season. Following Heinz-Harald Frentzen's sacking prior to the German Grand Prix, it was rumoured that Sato would step into the seat immediately.

But instead Jordan went for the experience of Jean Alesi for the remainder of the season, before deciding to gamble on youth for 2002.