Sato tests for STR

Vettel goes quickest for Red Bull

Last updated: 18th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sato tests for STR

Sato: Test

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Takuma Sato's test run for Toro Rosso was brought to a premature end on Thursday when rain hit the Jerez circuit in Spain.

The Japanese driver's outing for the Italian Grand Prix winners was his first in a Formula One car since Super Aguri folded in May.

Sato was sixth quickest of the eight drivers running, with Sebastian Vettel setting the pace for Toro Rosso's 'senior' team, Red Bull.

Monza winner Vettel switches to Red Bull next season, with Sato one of those in the running to replace the 21-year-old German.

"The team was pleased with the work he did, clearly demonstrating his previous experience in a grand prix car," Toro Rosso said in a statement.

"At the start of the day we were collecting aero data," added Sato. "Then by the end of the morning we began timed runs, so I could really feel the car and I started to enjoy the laps.

"Unfortunately, in the afternoon it started to rain so we had to stop. That was a great shame as I was looking forward to proper running in the afternoon.

"Although I couldn't complete the day due to the weather conditions, I really enjoyed driving the STR3."

Jerez testing, Thursday:

1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing 1:18.001 37 laps
2 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:18.167 70
3 Lucas Di Grassi Renault 1:18.999 36
4 Pedro de la Rosa McLaren 1:19.281 39
5 Alex Wurz Honda 1:19.499 79
6 Takuma Sato Toro Rosso 1:19.574 49
7 Kamui Kobayashi Toyota 1:19.863 47
8 Kazuki Nakajima Williams 1:21.892 60

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