British American Racing announced Tuesday that Japanese driver Takuma Sato will complete the 2004 driver lineup alongside Jenson Button.
The announcement comes just days after Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve was dropped by BAR Honda after a disappointing and increasingly fractious five-year relationship.
"As you know there has been a lot of speculation about who will partner Jenson Button next year," BAR managing director Dave Richards told reporters at a news conference in Tokyo. "We're very pleased to announce that Takuma Sato will be lining up with Jenson next season."