Feb.19 (GMM) Takuma Sato said no to making a return to formula one this year with the struggling new teams Campos or USF1.

The Japanese, who contested nearly 100 grands prix until 2008, announced this week he will race in America's premier open wheeler Indycar series in 2010.

Sato, 33, said he was earlier "close" to securing deals with Toro Rosso, Lotus and Renault.

He told Reuters: "There were (other) seats available - with Campos or USF1 - but I don't feel it was appropriate.

"The name is F1 but I can't see those cars being competitive," added Sato, who debuted for Jordan in 2002 and also drove for BAR and Super Aguri.

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