2007 Mid-season update:

SAF1 drivers have had a difficult job this season for different reasons. Like it or not, Taku still had a lot to prove to people in F1. Many have misunderstood his driving as being uncontrolled. It is not- it is on the edge. Anyone can drive an F1 car within its limits and move out of the way of people. We used to see this every race by teams such as Minardi (note: I loved Minardi as a team, they were greatly underrated). Taku has had to drive cars which are maybe 95% and he has been trying to drive them at 100% This is called "racing". From time to time, driving a 95% car at 100% means that the car or the track situation leads to a problem. Taku has had some problems, as have all racing drivers.

As the season is developing, we can see that the cars are a lot closer than they were even in 2006. The cars are based on last year's Honda chassis design and are regularly punching above the expected weight class. Both driver and machine are gaining big respect in the pit lane. As Taku overtook Alonso in a pure speed race, the commentators, fans, and team managers all looked on in awe.

Points scored in Spain and Canada led to Giant Killer status for the team, and of course for Taku.

I would swap you ten Heidfelds, Fisichellas, or Buttons for a driver like Taku. As a fan, I want to see a race, not a test session. A race has to be on the edge, if the drivers can simply rely on the car to do the work, we fans will never enjoy the experience. All the great drivers have had to push beyond their limits. Takuma has the ability and the drive to become a great. It is unlikely though that we will see that in the next couple of years - but that won't stop him from trying - or stop us from cheering him on.

In 2006, Malaysia saw a big improvement in the media's recognition of Taku's skills, and this continued all season. His battle with the Midland cars are now on almost equal terms Turkey should see another step improvement. The media have been impressed that a four year old car was holding off an attack by brand new and heavily backed car. The 2006 season peaked with Brazil. Taku brought the car home at 10th place... amazing. Rarely do you see pit crews celebrate another team's success - but at the last race of 2006, the Renault pit crew came down and celebrated with Super Aguri!  Taku had brought an enormous honour to the team.

In 2007 the surprise has gone from the voices of the commentators - they are expressing a realisation that maybe Taku can be in the midfield of the race. 

Click here for Takuma Sato's official fan site. (Japanese and English)