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Takuma Sato's Manager Furious with Toro Rosso

Although they knew right from the beginning that money was a key issue in Toro Rosso's decision to name their second driver for 2009, Takuma Sato and manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott expressed their disappointment in the Faenza-based team following their decision to extend Sebastien Bourdais' deal through 2009.

“I am extremely disappointed that Scuderia Toro Rosso has not chosen Takuma to race for them in 2009. Taku had showed tremendous speed and commitment during the three tests he did for the team and I believe he proved to be the faster driver. Unfortunately however the team made no secret about the fact that they would need the drive to bring a substantial amount of funding to the team to secure the drive,” said Gilbert-Scott.

The irony of the situation is that Sato was the first of the two drivers to announce that he has already secured sponsorship money for a racing seat, back in December. At the time, Bourdais seemed to have lot all hopes of continuing his F1 career, as he was having a hard time finding sponsors to back him for another campaign. In an unusual turn of events, it seems the Frenchman was the one holding the ace.

“We have all been working very hard and have been able to attract a significant amount of sponsorship to support the team but unfortunately it was obviously not enough to secure the drive,” concluded Sato's manager.

Despite being left out of the Formula 1 roster in 2009, Sato insisted that he still has a lot to prove in the series and will not give up the thought of making a return in the Great Circle.

“I strongly feel that I have unfinished business in F1 and that I still have a lot to give. I am determined to stay in top level motorsport and I will be fully focused on making a return to F1 as long as any opportunity is there. I want to thank all my supporters who have been absolutely fantastic with their loyalty, I will always remember these fantastic relationships we have built and hope we can one day repay this support,” revealed Sato.
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