Sato back to F1?

UPDATE (GMM) Toro Rosso has confirmed "talks" with the Japanese driver Takuma Sato, but would not back reports that the former Super Aguri racer is to be evaluated for a 2009 seat at next month's Jerez test.

It is already known that Sebastien Buemi will be tested at the southern Spanish circuit, but the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport this week said 31-year-old Sato is also to get a run in the Ferrari-powered single seater.

"We have had talks but there is nothing to confirm yet," a spokeswoman insisted.

Sato's manager told Reuters that they would welcome the opportunity to test with Toro Rosso.

"We'd be delighted," said Andrew Gilbert-Scott.

08/18/08 (GMM) Takuma Sato's manager has confirmed that he is fully concentrated on trying to bring the Japanese racer back to the formula one grid.

It emerged recently that, following the demise of the Super Aguri team, 31-year-old Sato turned down offers to contest Le Mans and American series in order to focus on resurrecting his F1 career.

The latest rumor is that Sato, who debuted in 2002 and has contested approaching 100 grands prix, is linked with one of the Toro Rosso race seats for 2009 — a good fit, given Gerhard Berger's desire for an experienced hand, and sponsor Red Bull's efforts to crack the difficult Japanese drinks market.

His manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott, a former race driver himself, confirmed to GPWeek that putting Sato back on the grid is his focus at present.

"Formula one is all we are thinking about," the Briton said.

"It's where Takuma deserves to be, and naturally we are talking to a number of people about 2009."