Sato to test again with Toro Rosso

(GMM) Takuma Sato will test again with the Toro Rosso team at Jerez next week.

It will be the Japanese veteran's third outing with the Ferrari-powered team, indicating he is still firmly in the running to return to the formula one grid next year.

A statement released by the 31-year-old's management said Sato, who raced 93 times with Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri, is to appear on December 10 and 11 at the southern Spanish circuit.

"We obviously see this as a positive step but still nothing is decided for the 2009 racing season," said Sato's commercial manager Matthew Winter.

Swiss rookie Sebastien Buemi is the favorite to replace Sebastian Vettel at Toro Rosso next year, with Sato and Sebastien Bourdais the most likely candidates for the second race seat.