MARCH 19, 2005

Exclusive: Takuma Sato out of Sepang

Takuma Sato is out of the Malaysian Grand Prix. He will be replaced by Anthony Davidson. The Japanese driver is suffering from a fever and was judged not to be fit enough to continue. Davidson will thus be given his first chance to race in F1 since he subbed for Alex Yoong at Minardi in two races in the summer of 2002. He did a solid job but not enough to attract attention and remained as BAR test driver ever since. His performances attracted the attention of Williams but contractual problems meant that he could not take up the offer of a test with Williams at the end of 2004.