Richards sets new targets for BAR

Richards, who is also the boss of preparation experts Prodrive and the World Rally Championship's commercial rights holder, says he is relishing the challenge of a return to Formula 1 after a troubled stint with Benetton in 1998. He admits, however, it isn't going to be easy.

"I don't think this is going to be an overnight wonder, and I think we have a very tough three years ahead," he said in an exclusive interview in this week's AUTOSPORT. "But we're in the right place at the right time and over the next couple of years you will see it all come together.

"The aim is to be in a title-winning position by 2004, so if we work backwards, we'll be challenging for wins and podiums in 2003. What that means for this year, it's still to early to say."

In the interview, Richards also reveals...

Why Prodrive will enhance BAR's current set-up

How he will deal with Jacques Villeneuve now that Craig Pollock has gone

How he will juggle his multiple roles as F1 team boss, WRC supremo and Prodrive chairman

What he has learned about F1 from his days at Benetton

Why he feels BAR has struggled so far and how plans to turn things aroundAll in this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale January 3.