Takuma helps launch the EJ12.

Speaking at the launch of the Jordan-Honda EJ12 at a Brussels airport hangar, the reigning British Formula 3 champion said he knows that starting his Grand Prix career will be an even tougher prospect than his record breaking 2001 season.

"The 2001 season was incredible, very special. Joining Jordan was very exciting, but I know racing in Formula One will be very tough,” said Sato, who dominated F3 with Carlin Motorsport last year. “I imagine there will be pressure on me in Melbourne, but I don't feel it at the moment. Everything is new and different and I am determined to work hard to do well. I studied Human Science at University in Tokyo, but I was more interested in riding cycles. My parents had no idea about motor sport so I never started motor racing until I was 19. I eventually dropped out of college because I wanted to be a racing driver."

Looking forward to the new season, the young Japanese driver is under no illusions about the job ahead. He did admit to being a bit nervous about his first GP start, but added that the pressure will be on the more experienced drivers. "It's going to be very tough, everything is new to me. Since January we have done a lot of work. I'm totally relaxed at the moment, although my first GP start will be amazing. I feel under no pressure at all."

Speaking about his experience to date with the EJ12 he explained that big improvements have been made in the pre-season testing. "There were lots of problems with the downforce. The car was very nervous. But now it is a lot more stable and the improvements have been fantastic," said Sato. "The engine is smooth and beautiful. It is good with high-speed corners and now I am very confident. But Formula One is very different from Formula Three. It is more technical and there is a lot to learn."

Eddie Jordan, who gave four-time world champion Michael Schumacher his first taste of the big time in 1991, has no fears for Sato, even saying that he could become Japan's first world champion.

"Takuma has the undoubted ability to be world champion," said the Irishman. "We only take drivers based on their talent and for no other reason. He took the conscious decision to move to Europe and face the best of the young drivers there and he did it brilliantly.
“He is good in the wet and the dry and last year he raced at Macau at the end of a very long season when you would have thought the need to win would have evaporated. He has also shown what he can do by winning the Formula Three Championship in Britain last year and he did it in style taking 12 of the 13 races in the series.”