From GMM STR in no rush to make '09 decision Takuma Sato expects to have to wait several weeks to find out if he can return to formula one next year. When asked by F1's official website when Toro Rosso might decide, he answered: "I don't think that Toro Rosso is in any rush, so my guess would be at the end of the year, or even at the beginning of next year." One factor playing in Sato's favour is that, compared with Bourdais, he is the more heavily sponsored. "I really don't have cash," he insisted to reporters, "but hopefully, maybe with this difficult economy, some good personal sponsors will support us and that will be an extra bonus for me." Adrian Sutil insists Force India seat safe Adrian Sutil insists he does not fear for his place on the 2009 formula one grid. After Force India boss Vijay Mallya recently admitted he will take new partner McLaren's advice in all areas, Pedro de la Rosa is this week testing for the Silverstone based team. "The team has told me quite clearly that they are counting on me," Sutil is quoted as saying by Sport Bild. "Anyway, I have a valid contract for 2009," he added. Lucas Di Grassi plays down Brazil-Honda link Lucas di Grassi has played down the role his nationality could play in his selection for a Honda race seat in 2009. Like countrymen Bruno Senna and Rubens Barrichello, the Brazilian is in the running to race with the Japanese team next year. "It has nothing to do with nationality, but I am proud that so many Brazilians are fighting for a seat," he is quoted as saying by Formule 1 Race Report. "Bruno and I were offered this test because of how we performed in GP2," di Grassi insisted. Paul Di Resta wants 2009 F1 debut Paul di Resta narrowly missed securing this year's DTM title, and has been linked with one of the Mercedes-powered Force India seats for 2009. McLaren's Ron Dennis recently confirmed that the organisation's target is to bring the 22-year-old - who is managed by Lewis Hamilton's father Anthony - into formula one. Another year in DTM, however, or perhaps a graduation to GP2, were believed the most likely scenarios for di Resta for next year, despite his recent McLaren tests. "Lewis has made it, and so too has Vettel, who I beat comfortably to the Euro F3 championship in 2006. If they can do it, I certainly know I can too. Now we just have to see what happens for next season," he said. photo: Force India
F1: Rumours from the Barcelona paddock