Sato gets second STR test

Japanese star edges closer to an F1 return

Last updated: 5th December 2008

Sato: Second test

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Takuma Sato's dreams of returning to Formula One next season are still alive after securing another test drive with Toro Rosso.

Sato, along with Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastien Buemi, tested with Toro Rosso last month and impressed during his only two days behind the wheel.

The 29-year-old, who has been without a race seat since April when his Super Aguri team folded, will be back in a Toro Rosso car when testing resumes in Jerez next week.

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

Sato and Bourdais are probably vying for the same spot at STR after Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz confirmed last week that Buemi is odds on favourite to land one of the vacant seats.

"One will very likely be Buemi. The line-up will be confirmed before the last test in December," Mateschitz said.

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