Former Jordan, Honda and Super Aguri driver Takuma Sato has been recalled by Scuderia Toro Rosso for further testing, it was announced today. Sato had tested for the Italian team earlier in the year after Sebastian Vettel had been confirmed at Red Bull Racing. Desperate to get back into Formula One, Sato sees STR as his best hope following the demise of the Super Aguri team just prior to the Turkish Grand Prix.

The test, which will take place at Circuit de Catalunya in Spain later this month, will also see Honda evaluate two GP2 drivers, Bruno Senna and Lucas Di Grassi. But the fact this will be Sato’s second showing in Red Bull overalls sounds promising. And judging by the performance of this years car, STR are certainly competitive.

Toro Rosso have yet to decide on their driver line up for the 2009 season. We would like to thank all the fans, as ever, for their fantastic support for Takuma and look forward to more good news soon. STR Statement.

The team have expressed a wish for an experienced driver to be partnered with a young driver or rookie, hinting at Sebastien Buemi to get a promotion, and possibly retaining Sebastien Bourdais, extending Rubens Barrichello’s career or hiring Japanese driver Sato. In terms of Red Bull’s marketing campaign, Sato would help open doors in Japan for the companies energy drink, but they must not let this cloud their judgement. STR need a good driver if they are to continue their impressive run of results in 2008, especially given that they don’t have Vettel anymore.

Although, not too many of you feel that Sato deserves another shot at Formula One…