Sato, who became the first Japanese driver to win the British Formula Three title with his 12th victory of the season at Silverstone last month, is to attend a press conference hosted by engine providers Honda on Wednesday.

"Sato will talk about his future at a news conference tomorrow," a Honda official said on Tuesday as Japanese agencies reported a deal had been reached.

"I still have a contract with BAR so I can't comment now. Wait and see," said the 24-year-old Sato, who has also been employed as a test driver for British American Racing-Honda team this season.

The Jordan press conference will be held at 11.30 local time.

If Sato does become the seventh Japanese driver to race in Formula One it will come as a major blow to veteran Jean Alesi, who will be driving for Jordan in his 201st grand prix on at Suzuka on Sunday.

The 37-year-old Frenchman joined the team from Prost when Heinz-Harald Frentzen was sacked in August and he had hoped that his close friend and team owner Eddie Jordan would keep him on next year to partner Italian Giancarlo Fisichella.