By Phil Giles
August 15 2002

Trevor Carlin , boss of Carlin Motorsport believes that if Takuma Sato was in any other car on the grid that he would have shown the same form in Formula One as he did in the ranks of Formula 3.

Speaking to Motorsport News, Carlin said "It’s a real shame that he’s hit F1 with a team, a car and a financial package that can’t really do the job."  This coming from a man who umm. doesn't run a formula one team.

"He’s never had a decent run of luck this season - and he’ll be very lucky to get a top-six position in a Jordan".

While Takuma failed to impress anybody at the beginning of the season, its going to be difficult for any rookie driver to immediately make a great impression on the tough world of Formula One.  Indeed, it may be many years before the rookie becomes a novice.  Takuma clearly found the car difficult to drive, however the difference in power, speed and braking from a F3 car to F1 is huge.  Indeed it's doubtful that he would have been able to control any other car on the grid any better than he did the Jordan.

Carlin continued "I think he’s learnt that if an F1 car is not up to the job you can’t push it over the limit to make up for its deficiencies. Now he’s allowed himself to back off a little. Now he’s not as spectacular as he was at the start of the season. Realistically all his problems stem from the car."

Indeed, the reason he was spectacular at the start of the season was because he simply couldn't control the car.  Crashing out in style at Malaysia when he went into the rear of team mate Fisichella. (Admittedly Giancarlo did return the favour a few races later!)  Takuma has begun to control his driving style and rather than going at it like a bat out of hell, he is controlled and is now driving at the right pace for the car.  The car is a points scorer, however Takuma isn't.  The more he drives in Formula One, the better Takuma will become.  To blame the car isn't fair as Giancarlo has proved time and time again.

It's simply down to Taku's lack of experience at this level.  Sorry Mr Carlin but Jordan Fans Online doesn't agree.