Top 5 Japanese F1 Drivers of all time

#1 Takuma Sato

Takuma Sato claimed a very popular podium at the 2004 USGP.

Takuma Sato's longevity in Motorsport is very impressive, as he's still winning races in Indy-car at the age of 42. But long before his transition to American open-wheeled racing, the man from Tokyo was catching our attention in the pinnacle of motor sport. His rookie year was with Jordan in 2002, but the Irish team weren't competitive that year, although Sato did score a pair of points in his home race for fifth place.

Sato became BAR's test driver for 2003, but he'd be given a full-time drive for 2004, partnering Jenson Button. Sato was frankly blown away by Button, but Jenson did have an extremely impressive year, finishing third overall in the driver's standings. Button was a future world champion, and Sato was in his second season of F1 racing after having a year off. Takuma also got the best result of his F1 career, finishing third at the 2004 USGP, at the same circuit where he'd go on to win the Indy 500 at 13 years later.

Sato remained at BAR for another year before joining Super Aguri for 2006, a team that was run by the number 3 entry on this list. The team weren't competitive, but Sato did manage to finish sixth at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, ahead of defending champion Fernando Alonso's McLaren. That was arguably the best drive of his career.

But who do you think is Japan's best ever F1 driver? Is it Sato or another pilot? Let us know in the comments below!