Sato sets record for Japan

Not only did Sato keep up BAR's excellent 2004 qualifying record, but he achieved the highest qualifying position for a Japanese driver in the history of Formula 1. A good race could see him at least equal Aguri Suzuki's record for the best Japanese finishing position. Suzuki took third place for Larousse at his home race in 1990.

"It's fantastic to be starting the race from 3rd on the grid - my best ever starting position in a Formula One race. It means a huge amount to me and all the people who support us.

"This is a track we know well though and I just want to do the best job I can tomorrow. We have a great opportunity to be on the podium. It won't be easy but I'll certainly be trying my best."

Sato's result has also impressed his countrymen at Honda: "Taku has done a good job to get third place today. We have a competitive car here and I am sure we can fight for the podium again this Sunday," said the Honda Engineering Director Shuhei Nakamoto.

It will be up to Sato to carry the BAR-Honda hopes tomorrow, as Britain's Jenson Button will pay the price for a qualifying error by starting fourteenth.

"It's great for Taku, but for me it's not so good starting further down the grid," said Button, who lies third in the championship. "We'll have to think overnight on strategy options for tomorrow and see if we can recover some ground.

"My lap was very disappointing. The first sector was OK and I had lots of grip but then I got some understeer, went wide coming around turn 7, went onto the grass and had to lift off in the end, which was disappointing as it has put me down to 14th. Sometimes these things happen though."