Takuma Sato - Interview

Japanese Lifestyle had an exclusive interview with Takuma Sato, F1 driver for British American Racing, while he was in Melbourne for the 2004 Melbourne Grand Prix. The original interview was in Japanese and conducted by Hisako Yagami. *How many times have you been to Melbourne?*This is the third time for the Grand Prix, but I visited here with my parents when I was little, too.  *Have you ever been to other cities in Australia?*I’ve been to Sydney and Cairns very briefly, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to look around. As the time difference between here and Europe is big, I usually arrive here around a week before and have to concentrate to adjust my condition and training. *You are living in England. How do you like the life over there, many of our readers are interested in living in a foreign country?*In my case, I didn’t have any other option. F1 started in England 53 years ago, now 60% of the race teams are based in there. England is the centre of the motor sports. If you want to be in F1, you have to be there. That’s why I decided to live in England. Initially I lived with a home stay family and went to a language school to study English. I joined car races only on the weekends. *Sounds like an average language student. Does it feel inconvenient to communicate in English now?*No. To be in F1, you have to communicate in English. So I studied very hard. *You have a unique career. You were used to be a brilliant bicycle racer with several major medals before you turned 18 (years old). Then you changed your career to the car racing. Many racers starts their career very young, but I imagine it was hard to achieve your current status.*Well, actually I’ve loved cars since I was little, but unfortunately, I didn’t have any opportunity to experience car racing such as go-cart. The bicycle was the only thing around which had wheels. That’s why I have been riding a bicycle. I had always imagined car racing when I was riding a bicycle. The bike was the step to the car for me. *People who achieve brilliant roles in any fields are not only talented but resolute to achieve their goals. What drives you to do it?*I like the car racing. I really enjoy it. That’s why I want to do it. Of course, sometimes I cannot do well and I have a bad time. But in a bad time, I can reflect on myself and I can get it over. This is very meaningful for my life. *What is your target for this race?*Well, not just this race but for this year, for me, the second Grand Prix season is just starting. I had a bad time last year but I have learnt many things. My team is very good and I’m really relaxed now. I hope I can stand on the podium very soon. *What is your impression for this Albert Park Circuit?*Most of other circuits are dedicated for races but this circuit is a public road and in a beautiful park. This is very unique. This is ideal for the opening of the season. *You write some articles in a several magazines and diaries on your website. It is important for you to communicate with your fans, isn’t it?*Yes, I’m so happy that my fans support me, and also I’d like to introduce F1 to more people. I’d like to share the joy with my fans. *I’m so impressed that you always appreciate people around you.*I do my best but I cannot do everything by myself. It is very important to build a good relationship with others to create something together. It is the same thing with my fans. They always give me energy and I can give it back too. Takuma Sato is a really nice guy with gentle smile. It is very understandable that his charming personality attracts many funs in Japan. In this Grand Prix, he finished in the ninth, but the season has just started. I’m looking forward to his great success in the near future! See more pictures of Takuma Sato in the Japanese Lifestyle Picture Gallery You can find out more information on Takuma Sato at his web site www.takumasato.org . |