16/10/02: Jordan’s Takuma Sato said today he intended to race with the team for the second straight year next season, according to a news report.

"I intend to race for the Jordan team next year as well," the 25-year-old Japanese driver told reporters in Nagoya, central Japan, according to Jiji Press news agency.

Sato captured his first two Formula One points at the end-of-season Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on Sunday finishing in fifth position.

Sato has had an accident-prone season, failing to finish in seven of the 17 races. His previous best performance was eighth spot at the German Grand Prix in July.

"I faced some bad luck, but I was able to enjoy my races," Sato said, referring to his first year's results.

The fifth-place finish in Suzuka "was my first step toward higher placings," the Japanese driver said.