Takuma Sato says he was shocked and confused to learn that Super Aguri's trucks had been prevented from entering the Istanbul paddock and has urged Honda to give the team the support it needs to stay afloat.
Itv.com/f1 understands that staff at the Istanbul Park circuit denied Super Aguri access as they had been told by Formula One Management – apparently acting under instruction from Honda – that Aguri Suzuki's team would not be racing in Turkey next weekend.
"I have no idea why this has happened as I understood that no decision has been made by Honda yet and that a decision will be made in the next few days about whether we will be able to race or not," Sato said.
"I heard that FOM was told that we are not racing so they won't let the trucks in – but I don't understand why they have been told this when no decision has been made yet."
German automotive company Weigl AG is fronting a bid to rescue Super Aguri, but Honda has been sceptical about the firm's ability to sustain a competitive Formula 1 team.
However Sato reckons Weigl has what it takes to save the team.
"I met them at the Spanish Grand Prix and they have the great passion to get the team over the current difficulties," he said.
"They do not seem to be scared by the challenge and in that way I would say that they fit our philosophy well and would be a great partner for the team."
Super Aguri's future now rests on whether Honda accepts the Weigl bid in a crucial meeting in Japan this week.
The team was originally created by Honda and has relied on funding and equipment from the Japanese manufacturer, but Honda always wanted Super Aguri to be self-sufficient by now and is no longer willing to fund it.
But Sato urged Honda to give Super Aguri more time to secure its future.
"Obviously Honda has always been central to the whole Super Aguri team," he said.
"We have always worked so closely together and I understand that they are in a difficult position right now due to [Dubai International Capital] letting everyone down at the last minute.
"But I hope they will be able to continue the fighting spirit and give the team some more time to get the new investment in place.
"We have showed over the past two years how efficient we can be as a very little team and given the chance and support I believe we can be very competitive.
"We need Honda support more then ever now and I am just hoping that they will be able to find a satisfactory solution.
"Honda are famous for their racing spirit and I am sure this will not desert them now."