Sato withdraws from Sepang GP
Lucky Strike B·A·R Honda driver Takuma Sato has been forced to withdraw from tomorrow's Malaysian Grand Prix for medical reasons. Takuma developed a fever yesterday evening, and after receiving attention from the Sepang Circuit Medical Centre appeared to show some signs of recovery. However, this morning the fever had started to recur.
In view of the fact that this is such a physically demanding race for the driver, the Team and Takuma have accepted the Medical Team's view that the most sensible course of action is to retire from the rest of the weekend's running.
Anthony Davidson will replace Takuma in car no. 4 with effect from this morning's Free Practice sessions and will take part in tomorrow's race.
Takuma Sato "I am obviously extremely disappointed that I have had to retire from the Malaysian Grand Prix - a race that I have prepared extremely hard for. Having discussed my condition with the medical staff and the team, I accept their advice that it is not sensible for me to take part in such a physically demanding race. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my team-mate Anthony Davidson well as he steps in for me for the rest of the weekend. I have now been advised to get plenty of rest and look forward to getting well again in time to be back in the car in Bahrain."
Anthony Davidson "First of all I would like to wish Taku a speedy recovery. He is obviously very frustrated that he has had to retire from the race. Despite the circumstances, I am very much looking forward to making my race debut for B·A·R Honda here at Sepang. Malaysia is an extremely tough race for the regular drivers, so I know tomorrow will be a big challenge for me. However, my third driver role means I have to be prepared for times like these and I feel fit enough and mentally prepared to take over in the car. I have completed a lot of laps in free practice this morning and am happy with my times and the car balance, so I have a good starting point and will give it everything I've got for the team tomorrow."
Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer "Switching drivers at this point in the weekend is obviously far from ideal, but Taku's condition makes this the only sensible course of action. We are disappointed for him and hope he recovers well. Nonetheless, we are extremely fortunate to have Anthony Davidson on stand-by. He takes his role as third driver very seriously and is always race-fit and prepared for times such as this. It will be a tough challenge for him in these hot and humid conditions, but he has made a very good start to his race preparation and I know he will do an admirable job for us tomorrow."
