As predicted, Takuma Sato will be behind the wheel of a Torro Rosso F1 car for a full-blown try-out for a 2009 driver's seat.

The test has been confirmed here on saf1.org by his management team, and it will take place on September 18th at Jerez.

The Torro Rosso management team are known to be looking at a mature driver to compliment a youinger driver - and both seats could be available. Bourdais is effectively on notice following Gerhard Berger's comments (that Bourdais has six races remaining to convince Berger that he desrves to retain the seat).

On Taku's own site the news breaks with an article in which his race manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott reveals that several teams have shown interest, but the first tangible evidence of progress is this test drive.

Of course, Takuma is excited to get back behind the wheel and is quoted as saying "I am delighted to be given this opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a Formula One car after my season was cut short. It will be especially interesting working with a team that has made so much progress over the course of the year."

Taku's experience and accurate feedback to his engineers makes him a good fit race-wise. His delightful and generous personality makes him a great match for the public relations aspect too.

As Torro Rosso punch above their weight on the track (Vettel provided several shocks at Valencia) it is essential to have a driver than can capitalise on that, we all saw how Takuma pushed a four year old chassis to great results - he has an inate abaility to get the very best out of a car. Given a car that can keep pace, his racing skills will do the rest, and even momentary opportunities will see him gain unfair advantage out there.

Torro Rosso have a big year ahead of them, the last thing they need is to have to wet-nurse drivers ... Taku has 91 F1 starts and he can make that pay from day one.

How jealous I am of the crowd at Jerez that day.