Sato signs three-year BAR deal

The Japanese has signed a three-year deal with the Honda-powered team and has an 'option' in his contract to step into a race drive alongside Jenson Button for 2004 and 2005.

Sato still had a year to run on his race contract with Jordan, but accepted that the cash-strapped team's need for a driver with a budget made it impossible for him to remain as Giancarlo Fisichella's team-mate.

"It's a shame that I can't race for Jordan next season but I leave the team on good terms and I don't see testing for BAR as a step backwards," he said. "I want to be with a team where my driving ability is the most important consideration rather than other factors.

"2003 will give me the opportunity to assist with the development of the car, which is very important to my own development as an F1 driver. I had very little testing in the second half of 2002 and mileage is extremely important in F1 because the cars are full of technology and it takes time to find improvements."

Sato was a test driver for BAR back in 2001, the year he conquered the British Formula 3 championship. BAR boss David Richards said: "We are delighted to welcome Takuma back. He did a great job testing for us in 2001 and this year racing for Jordan has given him much-needed experience.

"Most importantly however, I believe Taku is the brightest talent to have emerged from Japan to date and he is in F1 on merit, as he confirmed in this year's Japanese Grand Prix.

"Obviously, having a Japanese driver greatly assists with our direct communication with the Japanese engineers at Honda and continues to develop our seamless link between the two companies."