Sato: I didn't want to make up the numbers

Takuma Sato says that although he could have made a play for a race-seat with F1's newcomers, he opted instead for IndyCars as he wants to be competitive.

Sato hasn't competed in Formula One since Super Aguri dropped out of the Championship early in 2008. However, the Japanese driver, who previously raced for BAR, refused to give up the dream of making a return and entered talks with several teams ahead of this year's Championship.

But with only Campos Meta and USF1 still having seats available, Sato turned instead to the IndyCar Championship where he will race for the KV team.

Explaining his decision, the 33-year-old told Reuters: "I was always dreaming of continuing in F1 but I wanted a competitive car.

"Being competitive was something I missed in the last few seasons. There were seats available - with Campos or USF1 - but I don't feel it was appropriate.

"The name is F1 but I can't see those cars being competitive."

He added: "I was very close with Toro Rosso and Lotus and Renault but it's always something beyond your control. That's F1."

Sato: I didn't want to make up the numbers - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com