Thursday May 8, 01:58 PM

Sato hoping to stay in Formula One

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By Alan Baldwin

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Japanese driver Takuma Sato said on Thursday he hoped to continue in Formula One despite the failure of his Super Aguri team.

"At this time I am not sure what will happen next as I have been concentrating all my efforts on racing for Super Aguri F1," he said in a statement issued before the weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

"I will be looking at my options with my manager and will make an announcement once it is appropriate," he added.

"However, I have no intention to retire from F1. I feel I am driving at the top of my game and want to give so much more to my fans and supporters in Japan and worldwide who have been so incredibly supportive to me during my whole career."

Super Aguri, who entered Formula One in 2006 largely as a vehicle for Sato after he was dropped by Honda, withdrew from the championship on Tuesday for financial reasons and are absent from the Istanbul paddock.

Sato, Japan's most successful Formula One driver, scored all four of the Honda-backed team's points last season in taking Super Aguri to ninth place overall.

The 31-year-old entered Formula One with Jordan in 2002 and raced for BAR Honda from 2003 to 2005.

He has started 90 races and scored 44 points with a sole podium finish when he came third in the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2004.

Sato said he had huge respect for team founder Aguri Suzuki, the only other Japanese driver to finish on the podium in Formula One.

"He has worked so hard to keep things going. I will also never forget all the team members who have put so much effort into this team," he said.

"It is incredible to think that just one year ago we scored our first ever point and the emotion and excitement of that moment has turned to such disappointment just one year on."