Sakon Yamamoto will remain a part of
Super Aguri F1's set-up next season, having been confirmed as test driver by the British-based Japanese outfit.
Yamamoto lost his race seat to former
Honda F1 test driver
Anthony Davidson before Christmas, but has been retained by team boss Aguri Suzuki to provide back-up to the Briton and team-mate
Takuma Sato in 2007. The role will see the Japanese driver working alongside new signing Giedo van der Garde, after the F3 graduate was appointed as official 'reserve' shortly before the Christmas break.
"It is great news that I am able to stay in
Formula One with Super Aguri in 2007," he said, "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially Aguri-san. I will try to do my best in my new role and give the team good support from my time in the car next year."
Yamamoto broke into the top flight after being called up to replace the hapless Yuji Ide for the final seven races of the 2006 season, having previously made his name in the Japanese Formula Nippon series. Although he only made the finish in three of those outings, his ability was respected by the SAF1 operation, and he was expected to be kept on for 2007, despite the push to land Davidson.
van der Garde's signing clouded the situation slightly, but the team has still found a place for Yamamoto, who is expected to continue his progress as a race driver in another series, possibly GP2 or via a return to the FNippon and Super GT series in Japan.
"I am very happy that Sakon will remain a member of the family next season," team boss Suzuki commented, "We will help him to secure a race seat in another category for 2007, and I am confident that his experience gained from Formula One racing this year will help him achieve his goal."
