 Yamamoto could make his F1 debut soon |
Super Aguri have signed Japanese Formula Nippon driver Sakon Yamamoto as their third driver to replace Yuji Ide. Ide had his super-licence revoked by F1 bosses after a serious crash at the San Marino Grand Prix highlighted safety concerns that he was not good enough.
Yamamoto will join up with race drivers Takuma Sato and Franck Montagny in time for this weekend's British Grand Prix.
"Sakon drove at the Japanese GP last year (in free practice) so there's no licence problem," the team said.
"But we are trying to comfirm it with the FIA so we do not repeat Ide's example."
Yamamoto is eventually expected to jump over Montagny in the all-Japanese team's pecking order.
The Frenchman has already been confirmed for the British, Canadian and US Grands Prix but if Yamamoto does well in Friday testing he could make his debut at the French Grand Prix on 16 July.
Yamamoto began his career in Japanese F3 in 2001 then had spells on the German and European F3 circuit before returning to Japan.
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