Sato's Entry Will Boost F1 in Japan

The appointment of Takuma Sato as Jordan's second driver for 2002 will redevelop a huge Formula One following in Japan again, according to Bridgestone technical director Hiroshi Yasukawa.

Sato is the first Japanese driver to enter Formula One without major funding behind him and Yasukawa believes the young driver, coupled with the arrival of Toyota next year, will make Formula One a big attraction again for the Japanese.

"Well, actually we used to have Japanese Formula One drivers, but we don't have one currently," Yasukawa said. "So we are very pleased and very surprised that we have one again.

"I think it's very good for the Japanese market. We used to have lots of spectators but now honestly, it's been going down a bit, but next year Toyota is coming, Sato is coming, and maybe somebody else is coming, so interest is back for Formula One."

Sato will replace Jean Alesi at Honda-powered Jordan and will partner Italian Giancarlo Fisichella at the Silverstone-based team. Honda helped the young driver in his early years in motor racing and technical director Kazutoshi Nishikawa believes he will make an impact in Formula One.

"I would like to congratulate Sato as the first Japanese driver to win a Formula Three championship overseas," said Nishikawa. "He's also to be congratulated for finding his way into Formula One.

"So we at Honda are particularly happy because he's a graduate of Honda's racing academy so we hope that more will follow. We are very happy. I think he's a very talented driver."