Sato damages classic Lotus
Takuma Sato's attempts to learn the Monaco Grand Prix circuit in an historic Formula 1 car came to a premature end on Sunday when the Japanese damaged the Lotus 49 he was driving
The Jordan ace lost control in the wet at the Swimming Pool section during practice, and although the damage was relatively light, a lack of spare parts for the 30-year-old car meant he will not be able to take part in the race.
"It was very, very slippery where it occurred," said Sato. "I was really enjoying it and the power was OK, but there was just so much oil and I was perhaps carrying too much speed into the corner.
"Unfortunately [Classic Team Lotus] don't have any spare parts here. It's such a shame but whenever I race I drive hard and want to do well. The only way to learn a circuit is to drive to the maximum.
"Anyway my main objectives this weekend were to learn this circuit and to have some fun and I have managed both.
"I am very grateful though to have been given this opportunity and would like to thank the team for their support. They have done a fantastic job. It's just a shame it wasn't dry."
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