JANUARY 14, 2003

Honda becomes B.A.R sponsor

The newly-branded B.A.R team has landed sponsorship from Honda in addition to free engines and chassis technology. The new BAR-Honda 005, which was launched in Barcelona this morning, features Honda badging, underlining that the Japanese company is very keen to return to its winning ways in Formula 1. Recent Honda efforts in F1 have been less than impressive particularly when viewed alongside the success which was enjoyed by the Japanese firm in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The signs are that Honda is however gearing up for a more competitive future with a new team now in place on the engine design program and a deal with B.A.R which aims to create a strong long-term alliance. The team will be running this year with Jacques Villeneuve and Jenson Button but there are signs that Honda favourite Takuma Sato may move into Villeneuve's place next year when the Canadian's deal with the team comes to an end.