Sato Aiming for Podium after Historic Qualifying

Takuma Sato made motor racing history on Saturday as the first Japanese Formula One driver to qualify on the front row of a Grand Prix grid.

Sato, a BAR test driver last year after a debut season with Jordan in 2002, will start Sunday's European Grand Prix next to six-time World Champion Michael Schumacher.

"I'm delighted," said a beaming Sato, barely able to contain his surprise and excitement over the second fastest time on Saturday and his team's quick rise this season. "The front row is one of my dreams so I can't wait.

"To be honest, it's been a bit of surprise that we're succeeding so soon," added the 27-year-old, who replaced Canadian Jacques Villeneuve. "We have a great potential. Now this is really motivating to all of us."

Sato has two fifth-place finishes and eight points for BAR, third behind Ferrari and Renault, but has been in the shadow of teammate Jenson Button, who has 32 points and is third behind Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

"Obviously my ambition is the same as the team's - to become one of the top three," said Sato. "It's my aim to get on the podium. We are super-demanding people in this business so if you get second, you next want to be first."

Sato, who qualified third at the Spanish Grand Prix three weeks ago but ended up fifth in the race, can now set a benchmark for Japan, home to some of the world's automotive giants including the team's engine partners Honda, by beating Aguri Suzuki's record.

Suzuki finished third in a Lola Lamborghini at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix.

"It's very special for me, being the first Japanese to qualify in the front row," Sato said. "It means a lot to me but also to Japan."

Sato, who has 24 Grands Prix under his belt, has not showed any signs of intimidation on or off the circuit and is not afraid of gushing with enthusiasm.

"I have a great opportunity for a top finish," he said. "I believe we can do it. Realistically, Ferrari is super strong. It's going to be tough, but not impossible."