Sato has not had the best of luck this season

Button finished a career-best second at Imola on Sunday while Sato's engine failed with him in eighth place.

"I feel sorry for Taku because he is also trying very hard and it's not coming to him," said Richards.

"The luck will change. You're going to see Taku on the podium before the end of the year, that I promise you."

Richards added: "He has the speed, he has the intelligence, he has the whole approach to it."