Sato has struggled in the championship this season

Takuma Sato has expressed his sadness that his Oxfordshire-based Super Aguri team has withdrawn from this year's Formula One championship.

The Japanese driver described the Leafield outfit as "a small team with a big heart and mega spirit".

"Every single person at Leafield did the most amazing job when the team started two-and-a-half-years ago by getting us to the grid," he said.

"They are a group of real professionals who can do almost the impossible."

He added: "What can I say except that I am so sad and disappointed that the Super Aguri F1 team has had to withdraw from F1."