F1: Jordan backs Sato despite crash

Eddie Jordan has backed young Japanese star Takuma Sato to mature into a ‘‘big star’’ despite crashing into his team-mate in Malaysia.

The reigning British Formula Three champion inexplicably ploughed into the back of Giancarlo Fisichella at Sepang - but Jordan claims he has similar potential to the likes of Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

The Irishman confessed he gave his young star ‘‘a good telling off’’ for his error last weekend.

But he said: ‘‘Sato, believe me this is a big star in the making.

‘‘I have seen a Michael Schumacher or a Senna those kind of people - who have come through Jordan and I believe that Sato is of that ilk. He is an amazing young driver.’’

Jordan also backed plans by the sport’s governing body the FIA to limit each driver to just one engine per race weekend.

He added: ‘‘There is a definite need to reduce costs. That’s prudent in this current climate.

‘‘We would not go testing unless we had 10 engines it’s ridiculous. It is money that is effectively lost.’’