Sato happy with 'fantastic' result

Local hero Sato completed the team's strongest performance of the year to finish in 15th position, beating the Spyker of Tiago Monteiro and his own teammate Sakon Yamamoto.

"This is an absolutely fantastic result for the team - we could not have asked for anything more," said Sato. "Our performance at the beginning of the weekend was not as it should have been, but I believe that we have done everything that we could for the race.

"And the fans were incredible. We had great support and at the end I could see all of the flags shining through the sunlight. For me, counting down the laps to the last lap at Suzuka is a very special feeling, but also very sad as the race is ending, and especially as this may be our last race here for a while.

"I think that the team is really satisfied with our two-car finish today."

Yamamoto, in his first ever Japanese Grand Prix, completed his second race in a row, albeit two laps down and in 17th position.

"I really appreciate the support from everyone who has come to the race this weekend," he said. "Their support gave me the extra power to finish the race. I would like to thank the team, sponsors and everyone who has supported me through my career.

"It is a fantastic feeling to finish my home Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, but on the other hand I am a racer, and I always want to go faster, so I will review my race and prepare myself for the next Grand Prix in Brazil."