Sato to Midland?

The new Midland Formula One team has offered Japan's Takuma Sato a contract for next year. Team boss Colin Kolles told Autosport magazine that the Japanese driver, who lost his drive with BAR at the end of the season, had been offered a deal.

Colin Kolles, Team Boss Midland F1 "It is up to him and if he wants to sign, he could be a Midland driver next year. We offered him the contract in Brazil and we are still waiting to hear."

Toyota-powered Midland take over from Jordan next year after Russian-born Canadian billionaire Alex Shnaider bought the team last January.

Sato was also linked with a new mystery 11th team planning to make their debut next year with Honda engines.
Takuma Sato "Whether it's a new team or an existing team, I'm determined to race in 2006 anyway. I've got to believe in my heart 100% but you never know until you get a contract. If the new team doesn't happen we are still in contact with existing teams and there are still possibilities. I have to choose what is the best option for me in 2006."