Takuma Sato emerged unscathed from an accident during Saturday morning's first practice session, heavily damaging his DHL Jordan Honda EJ12 when he lost control mid way through Turn 14, spun through the gravel trap and side-swiped the barrier.  The accident was caused by a malfunction in the Auto Downshift mechanism, causing Taku to run off line as he tackled the demanding right hander which leads into the final two corners before the start-finish straight.

Taku soon returned to the pits, unhurt but annoyed to have had his practice curtailed after only half an hour:  "In the middle of the corner the car downshifted and there was nothing as I could do as it caused massive oversteer," he said.

Damage to the entire right hand side of the car is severe, but the wheel tethers worked superbly and the monocoque is intact.  Under the current rules Taku must now wait until qualifying before he can use the T-car, forcing him to sit out the second half of Saturday morning practice.  The mechanics are working feverishly to repair the damaged car, with several hours of work stretching ahead.