France debut for SA06

(GMM) Takuma Sato has hardened speculation that he could be driving a new Super Aguri car by the time F1 returns from its American trip next month.

The Japanese was disappointed by the outdated SA05's appalling lack of pace at Silverstone, but Sato reported excitement that a brand new challenger is finally nearing completion.

Sato said: ''Everyone is making a big effort to get the new cars ready for the French grand prix.

''We're really excited about that!''

Regrettably for Sato's current teammate Franck Montagny, meanwhile, it is expected that the Frenchman – at Magny Cours – will probably have to make way for current 'Friday' steerer Sakon Yamamoto.

Sato said of the old car's pace in the British grand prix: ''It was shocking. I thought we could be closer but the other teams are developing well.''