Junior Years
Sato is unusual among Japanese drivers in having relatively little motor racing experience in his native country. He initially competed in bicycle racing, where he won several national junior-championships.
He began his karting career in Japan in 1996, at the late age of 19, and later entered the Suzuka circuit Racing School (SRS), a racing school managed by Honda. In 1998, Sato stepped up into the All-Japan Formula Three Championship and drove for the Mugen-Dome project, but he broke his contract with the team in mid-season and moved to England to pursue a career in European racing. Through 1998 and 1999 he raced in Junior Formula races throughout the continent, moving to the British Formula Three Championship at the end of 1999. In 2000 and 2001 he pursued full seasons in British Formula Three, finishing third in 2000 and winning the championship in 2001, and taking 16 wins over the two years. He also competed in international races at Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, and Macau.
Read more about this topic: Takuma Sato
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