Sato Hoping to Benefit from Barcelona Knowledge

Formula One newcomer Takuma Sato is hoping to finally benefit from some track knowledge as he prepares for what he and Jordan teammate Giancarlo Fisichella are predicting will be a tough Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona this weekend.

Sato has had a difficult time since he joined the grid this year, having so far failed to make an impression, and is expecting improvements because he has tested at the Circuit de Catalunya several times already.

"I know the circuit much better than any of the tracks I have raced at so far this season," said Sato. "That means instead of spending my first ten laps learning a new circuit I can go straight to set-up work."

The team tested at Silverstone last week and although they will continue to use a new spec Honda engine and claim to have made some improvements to the car, Sato is under no illusions about the Barcelona race.

"This is going to be a tough circuit for us," he said. "But we have tested in Barcelona a few times so we should have much more time getting the balance of the car right. That will make a difference."