Takuma Sato experienced his first full day as a Benson & Hedges Jordan Honda employee yesterday (31st October) spending his time at the team's Silverstone HQ. It was a busy day for the team's newest signing, who drove up in the morning from his new base in Marlow. Why Marlow? "Well, it's just ten minutes down the road from where my manager lives," explained Taku. "It's also an easy drive to the factory and handy for the airport."

The main purpose of his visit was to have a seat fitting for when he finally gets to drive a Jordan-Honda, after the testing ban is lifted in January. "The seat fitting is very important," explained our driver. "Especially because of my size, I need some special modifications to the pedals and the steering wheel." Sato san was dressed in what must be the smallest Jordan race suit ever made. But don't scoff, because "small is beautiful" when it comes to F1 drivers. As the engineers gathered around the cockpit, they were almost drooling in anticipation of how much they will be able to play with the ballast in his car, given his jewel-like proportions.

"Apart from the seat fitting, it was a good chance to meet so many of the people who work here," continued Sato. "The guys were all really nice and I already feel part of the team." While most of his fellow grand prix drivers will have to wait until January to get behind the wheel, Sato will be heading home to Japan this weekend, before making the short trip to Macau to take part in the prestigious Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix. This race is usually seen as a stepping stone to F1, so Sato is in something of a no-win situation, given he has already secured a seat with Jordan. If he does well, it will be taken for granted, if not, he will come in for criticism. "I don't care about that," maintained this year's British F3 champion. "I'm just going there to win. But if I don't, it won't matter."

More pictures.