INDYCAR officials have placed driver Takuma Sato on probation through the next five races for actions during the IZOD IndyCar Series event July 7 at Pocono Raceway.

Sato violated Rule 9.3.1.1, which states "a driver must not engage in reckless, careless and/or overly aggressive actions or unsportsmanlike behavior toward other members," when his car made avoidable contact with the car driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay while entering pit lane on Lap 61 of the 160-lap race.

The probation period will end following the IZOD IndyCar Series event Sept. 1 at Baltimore. If improvements are not met, INDYCAR may impose other penalties at its discretion.

The member may contest the imposition of the penalty pursuant to the procedures and timelines detailed in the protest and appeal procedures of the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook.