Sato Aims to End Season on High

The Japanese driver needs to impress in the final three races of the year if he is to have a chance of landing a decent race drive in 2006 - and has made it clear that he is blocking out the frustrations of his situation at BAR.

"I have my view and my opinion but I am not going to say it yet because I do not want to waste the energy," said Sato, who was an impressive second fastest in first practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"I really want to race in the last three races and have really good races with the team."

Sato believes that the confirmation that he is out at BAR is actually helping him get more focused on the driving following weeks of uncertainty about teammate Jenson Button's situation.

"Before today it was a bit difficult of course, but once I got back into the car I was happy in the cockpit and the people have been really supportive," he added.

"I am enjoying every single Grand Prix. Although my future isn't clear at the moment I really want to have really good races in the last three races.

"Obviously I am disappointed I couldn't work with Honda but you never know it might be some time in the future we work together again. At the moment I am
very satisfied and very proud to have been part of the team."

Sato has also re-iterated his desire to remain racing next season - and claims he is not interested in becoming a test driver.

"To be honest I have done it already," he said. "In my heart I want to be a driver.

"At the moment I am really concentrating on Formula One, if there is some possibilities for next year we will consider it. I do have options but I want to be back racing. There are not many seats available but there are  a few. We will see."