BAR and Honda extend partnership
The partnership between B·A·R F1 and Honda Motor Company enters a new era today with the announcement of a long-term extension to their current engine supply and joint chassis development agreement. Together, they will build on B·A·R Honda's current success to achieve their target of winning the FIA Formula One World Championship title.
The extension of the contract cements the ever-increasing partnership between Honda and B·A·R and will run until at least the end of 2007.
Honda returned to Formula One in 2000 with an engine supply and joint chassis development partnership with B·A·R. A new three-year contract was agreed from 2002, with a further commitment to strengthening the joint chassis development programme. At the same time, Honda has continued to improve its development structure within Honda R&D and this has made a substantial contribution to the success which B·A·R is now experiencing, with the team currently lying third in the 2004 Constructors' Championship. In the 11 races to date this season, British driver Jenson Button has achieved six podium finishes, and team-mate Takuma Sato scored the first podium finish by a Japanese driver for 14 years with third place at the United States Grand Prix.
Commenting on today's announcement, Takanobu Ito, Managing Director of Honda Motor Company Ltd., said: "Five years have passed since Honda began its third era of Formula One racing. This season we are realising concrete progress in this new challenge and are aiming to reach our initial goal of getting our first victory. In order to consistently win races in the future, we have made a new multi-year contract with B·A·R in which we will supply engines and conduct joint development of chassis technology. We will continue to make an utmost effort in this Formula One challenge and ask for your continued support as we strive to fulfil the expectations of Honda motorsports fans worldwide."
David Richards, Team Principal of B·A·R, commented: "The flourishing partnership between B·A·R and Honda is now starting to show in our on-track performance and Honda's commitment to our future will ensure both long-term stability and the continued competitiveness of the team."
