Sato pledges consistent approach to F1

Jordan new boy Takuma Sato says he changed his approach to racing this year, which he hopes will serve him well when he makes the leap to Formula 1 in 2002

Sato won this year's British Formula 3 Championship after reviewing the way he goes about racing in the wake of his exit from last season's Macau Grand Prix. He had just take the lead of the race when he outbraked himself and plunged into the tyrewall.

"In my mind I realised I had to change something," he told AUTOSPORT. "Last year I was pushing myself 100 percent in every race and it meant I would either win or retire. I've learned that you have to be consistent if you want to win championships. You've got to stay level headed to do this job."

The 24-year-old is well aware that he is fortunate to step into such a high profile and competitive team as Jordan-Honda for his rookie season.

"I know I have a good opportunity," he said. "Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and Rubens Barrichello have all made steps forward with Jordan and I will, too. I am quite excited about this, and although it may be difficult in a couple of races next year, I will perform in the future."

Sato visited the Jordan factory this week to have his first seat fitting for the 2002 EJ12 chassis: "Because of my [diminutive] size, I needed some special modifications to the pedals and the steering wheel," he reported.