Bad news for Takuma Sato fans – the Japanese driver’s manager has ruled out him making a return to the cockpit in 2010 with Lotus.
Lotus are set to announce their driver line-up on Monday and it’s looking increasingly likely that Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will be named.
Japan had two F1 drivers on the grid in 2009 – Kamui Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima. But neither have confirmed drives for next year yet.
The last time an F1 race started without a Japanese driver was the 2005 Malaysian Grand Prix, when Anthony Davidson substituted for Sato at BAR.
Sato is still courting a drive for 2010 but the absence of Honda from the sport may hinder his attempts to find a drive – every one of his 90 F1 starts came at the wheel of a Honda-powered car.
Read more: Takuma Sato
steph
13th December 2009, 11:34
I’m happy. I really like Kovy I still hope Sato gets a seat but it seems so unlikely now.
slr
13th December 2009, 12:03
That is the worst news I have heard in a while.
sato113
13th December 2009, 14:50
tell me about it! :(
SaloolaS
13th December 2009, 12:18
Where’s Heikki gonna drive then? Renault or Lotus?
Steph90
13th December 2009, 12:53
Lotus it seems.
Younger Hamilton
13th December 2009, 12:27
Lotus are gonna announce there line up on Monday not tuesday Virgin are announcing Di Grassi on tuesday anyway Jarno and Heikki for Lotus
Journeyer
13th December 2009, 13:00
If I were to guess, Kobayashi will end up partnering Robert Kubica at Renault. Kazuki is probably done in F1.
Neil
13th December 2009, 13:43
Foolish move – everyone knows Sato is a far better driver than Kovalainen.
mp4-19b
13th December 2009, 14:57
maybe you are correct. he’s a bit like Villeneuve Jr, isn’t he? And best part is he despises schumacher to the core.
Chaz
13th December 2009, 14:06
Anthony Davidson deserves any seat before Sato anyway…
rmac923
13th December 2009, 16:28
If I had to guess, Davidson will end up at USF1 with Lopez.
Kobayashi and Heidfeld at Sauber
Trulli and Heikki at Lotus
Molandando at Campos
Petrov at Renault
And yes, Schumi at Mercedes
Klon
15th December 2009, 19:26
Oh yeees … the Davidson who got clearly beaten by Sato when they were together. Sooo worthy of a seat.
wasiF1
13th December 2009, 15:07
I want Hekki in Renault & Kobayashi in Lotus.
Bigbadderboom
13th December 2009, 15:30
It would be a shame for the sport to not have a Japanese entrant, I’m sure Sato will find a seat soon enough though, he is good enough, not sure if he is better than Heikki though.
Gill
14th December 2009, 6:22
Trulli and kova joined Lotus :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/Trulli-Kovalainen-to-drive-for-Lotus/articleshow/5335403.cms
Joshy
14th December 2009, 21:11
I always liked Taku, I really hope he ends up with a drive for next year. If not, then there’s always the JGTC.