Sato set for Red Bull reserve role?

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Takuma Sato on Wednesday insisted he is not set to become Red Bull's formula one reserve driver in 2009. The Japanese tested for Toro Rosso this winter but lost out in the battle for a race seat to French incumbent Sebastien Bourdais. However, talks with Dietrich Mateschitz's outfit continued, leading to speculation he might land the third driver role for both STR and senior team Red Bull Racing and travel to the Barcelona test next week. But on Wednesday, the 32-year-old revealed he is "disappointed" an agreement with the energy drinks company could not be reached.

"I am no longer in negotiation with the Toro Rosso or Red Bull teams about their third driver positions," the veteran of 93 grands prix confirmed.

03/03/09 (GMM) Takuma Sato looks set to land the role as Red Bull's reserve driver for the 2009 season.

The Japanese has tested for Toro Rosso this winter, but lost out in the battle for a race seat to French incumbent Sebastien Bourdais.

However, Dietrich Mateschitz is thought still keen to harness the 32-year-old veteran of 93 races' popularity in Japan, a growing market for the energy drink.

Sato would attend all grands prix this year and be ready to replace either Red Bull Racing or Toro Rosso regulars if required.

It has emerged that he may be scheduled to test Toro Rosso's new STR4 car at next week's final test of the pre-season.

In other test news, it is believed Honda has cancelled its scheduled Silverstone shakedown of its 2009 car on Thursday, but the test may now take place on Friday.

The Brackley based team's plan is to then join the group action at Barcelona next week.