Sato Hopes to Benefit from Nurburgring Knowledge

Japanese driver Takuma Sato is hoping that his prior knowledge of the Nurburgring will help him score his first points in Formula One and end his disappointing run since signing for Jordan.

Sato has received criticism from many quarters during his retirement-filled spell but he believes that he can build upon his tenth placed finish in Canada.

"I am looking forward to the European Grand Prix as it is held at one of the circuits I know," Sato said. "I raced before at the Nurburgring in the Formula Opel Euroseries in 1999 which might give me a small benefit, although they have made changes to the first three corners.

"I was happy to get tenth place in Canada but of course I want to do more and gain points and podiums, so I hope the next race will be good. I also hope I can do a full qualifying session without having to run back to the pits."

Teammate Giancarlo Fisichella will compete in his 100th Grand Prix in the Eifel mountain region and director of race and test engineering Gary Anderson admits the team failed to deliver for the Italian at the start of the year.

"Fisichella is a very, very good driver, one of the best," Anderson said. "At the beginning of the season we didn't give him a car or engine to match his ability but we've worked very hard and I think we are moving in the right direction.

"Giancarlo has responded with a brilliant hat-trick of fifth places and although we're not yet in a position to beat the best teams, we are now giving both drivers something they can work with."