10-14-2002

Eddie Jordan has warned that popular rookie Takuma Sato will be out on his ear if he cannot lure the financial help of Japanese backers.

'I have to admit I didn't expect Takuma to come here and qualify seventh and finish fifth,' said the Irish team boss after Taku sealed the deal on Jordan's sixth place in the Constructors' table.

'It has been a tough battle in the Championship midfield this season and finishing sixth is very important to us as it brings us respectability.'

Jordan adds that Sato has become the Silverstone team's newest hero: 'He probably doesn't know this but that's worth a lot of money, that is!'

Sato's solid Suzuka result propelled and sealed sixth place in the Constructors' table above the BAR challenge, worth several million dollars in prize-money and freight costs.

EJ adds: 'It was not a good season for us but we had great faith in this boy and he's done an amazing job here today. There was a lot of pressure coming to his first home grand prix and finishing fifth takes some doing.'

'It was good not just for the team but particularly for Takuma. People have said things that may not have been true but he has shown real talent this weekend. He was right on the money and that's fantastic for him.

'For me he has been the star of the weekend.'

Sato may have been the hero in Japan, but wheeler-dealer Eddie Jordan is not promising to honour the youngster's signed-and-sealed driving contract for season 2003.

Jordan explains: 'We believe that he can make it and will make it. But he needs more yen.'

The Irishman hints that without additional funds for next year, Takuma may not grace the Melbourne 2003 grid - in a Jordan car, at least.

'Japanese companies and businesses need to back him to make sure he is in Formula One next year,' EJ warns.

Takuma Sato, in his rookie season, has cost the Silverstone team a packet in repair bills. 'He has crashed a lot this season and cost us a lot of money but he has been amazing this weekend,' Jordan continues.

'People will go crazy and so they should because they have got a big star now. They just need to get behind him.'

Sato's driving future was thrown into doubt with the departure of Japanese engine manufacturer Honda. Jordan signed the British F3 champion as a sign of commitment to the Japanese marque.

While both parties are adamant that Honda retain no contractual ties to their young protégé, Eddie Jordan is refusing to outwardly confirm the services of Sato for 2003.

Eddie Jordan: 'We have contracts with both our drivers for next year.'

Andrew Gilbert-Scott, Sato's manager, confirms the existence of Taku's two year contract: 'It doesn't change anything for us. We have a contract with Eddie.

'It's a two-year fixed contract with no options on either side. We need that because I wouldn't have done a one-year deal for a new driver and this year we haven't had all the luck go our way.'

Jordan adds: 'Takuma is a Jordan driver and has a Jordan contract.

'Of course when the dust settles a bit we will discuss that because he is part of Honda's dream, but he is Jordan's driver, and if Honda want to do something, they will come to us as we went to them.

'Of course the drivers are fundamental to the programme and nevertheless it will unfold.'

Eddie Irvine is favourite to join the team and satisfy Benson & Hedges demands, but Brazilian rookie Felipe Massa is also looking for a drive.

'Jordan and Toyota are the possibilities,' he said.