Sato Offered Drive by New F1 Team

Sato, who has lost his BAR seat for next season, gave no details of the new team but said he had been approached to drive for them in 2006.

"It's not confirmed that this new team will race but I have received an offer," the 28-year-old said ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

"I'm not planning to quit Formula One. I have to keep going and look for a solution."

BAR's engine partners Honda, meanwhile, said they were considering supplying engines to the new team.

"Nothing has been decided yet as far as drivers or engines go," Honda's operating officer Hiroshi Oshima told reporters.

"But (Formula One supremo) Bernie Ecclestone has given the team his blessing and we are looking into the possibility of supplying their engines."

Sato's Formula One future had been thrown into doubt after BAR announced he would be replaced by Brazilian Rubens Barrichello for 2006.

But Sato, who has finished in the points just once all season, said he had other options on the table for next year.

"I have more than one option available," he said. "My manager Andrew (Gilbert-Scott) has been with me since I was in Formula Three and we will look at all the options."

Toyota-powered Jordan have also expressed interest in Sato for next year.