Red Bull Consider Sato for Testing Job

Although he lost out to Sebastien Bourdais in the battle for a racing seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2009, Takuma Sato might still be present in the Formula 1 paddock in the season to come. According to a media report from www.autosport.com, it seems that the Japanese driver may be considered by Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz as reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso for this year.

Of course, the news has not been made official yet, but the journalists from the aforementioned source revealed that Mateschitz is very much interested in keeping Sato inside his motorsport programme.

The first simple reason for this decision would be the good image Sato has within the Japanese F1 fans. The F1 veteran could prove a valuable asset for Mateschitz, as it could boost sales of the famous energy drink within the Japanese market.

Sato started last season as official driver of Super Aguri team, but only got to start 3 races in 2008. The Japanese outfit withdrew from Formula 1 due to financial problems just before the Spanish Grand Prix, leaving both Sato and British teammate Anthony Davidson without a racing seat for the remainder of the season.

Following several test drives for Mateschitz' team through the 2008 season, the Japanese driver was believed to be in pole position for securing a racing seat with STR for the upcoming season. However, he lost in favor of Bourdais, reason for his manager to publicly announce his disapproval of the Toro Rosso officials, for basing their decision on financial reasons rather than driver's skill.

Shortly after finding out about STR's decision, Sato insisted he wants to continue his career in Formula 1. If he is as reserve driver for both teams, he will replace one of the 4 RBR/STR race drivers in case of an in-season injury.