Takuma Sato has ruled out immediately retiring from formula one, despite the collapse of the Super Aguri team.

The Leafield based outfit was set up with the key support of Honda ahead of 2006, partly to keep the immensely popular Sato on the grid following a Japanese backlash in reaction to his removal as a works driver.

“At this time I am not sure what will happen next as I have been concentrating all my efforts on racing for Super Aguri,” Sato, the 31-year-old with 91 races and 44 points under his belt, said in a statement.

Like his 2008 Super Aguri teammate Anthony Davidson, Sato has in the past also spent time as a Honda test driver.

“I will be looking at my options with my manager and will make an announcement once it is appropriate,” he added.

“However, I have no intention to retire from F1.

“I feel I am driving at the top of my game and want to give so much more to my fans and supporters in Japan and worldwide who have been so incredibly supportive to me during my whole career,” he said.

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