Sato excluded from Race 1 at Croft

Manor's John Booth had complained to stewards following Sato's robust move on Hayes on the second lap of the race. Both drivers ended up spinning off at the Sunny corner as Sato tried to take the lead from the Irishman. The Japanese driver however was able to charge back up through the field to take fourth.

"He (Sato) thinks he's got a God-given right for people to move over, but our little Irish ginger bloke won't do that," Booth commented after the race.

Race officials agreed with Booth's opinion and took away the Sato's fourth place and points.

In a counter move however, Sato's team Carlin Motosport has launched an appeal of its own trying to overturn the exclusion. The outcome of this appeal is not expected today (Monday).

Sato still keeps his overall lead of the championship, albeit at a reduced gap between himself and second placed Hayes.

Revised championship points Sato 109; Hayes 96; Bruni, Priaulx & Davies 80; Courtney 73; Davidson 55; Lotterer 54; Kiesa 44; Edwards 34.
Scholarship Class Gilmore 122; Keohane 107; Mayall 101; Kerr 94; Doornbos 72; Sherwood 57.

*Points pending counter appeal by Carlin Motorsport