From GMM

Takuma Sato has joined Sébastien Bourdais in admitting that the size of their respective sponsorship portfolios will play a major role in determining which contender will race with the Toro Rosso team in 2009.

With the Swiss youngster Sébastien Buemi almost certainly guaranteed a seat for 2009, the identity of his teammate is still unknown, as incumbent Bourdais and the Japanese veteran Sato test again with the Red Bull-owned team this week.

It is believed that Sato, 31, is the more heavily backed of the pair.

Bourdais told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport at Jerez: "I'm on the lookout, but in the current economic crisis, it is difficult to find money, and not just in France."

"I have my money," Sato acknowledged to Auto Motor und Sport. "My management has worked feverishly to find sponsors."

Sato admits that presenting an impressive financial package to Toro Rosso could shift the scales in his favour. It is believed that Sato has the potential ability to promote the energy drink in the burgeoning Japanese market.


Photo Credit : Gepa pictures - Red Bull