BAR Duo Thrilled after 'Incredible' Race

BAR drivers Jenson Button and Takuma Sato were thrilled after helping their team move up to fifth place in the Constructors' Championship in the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

"That was incredible," said Briton Button after finishing in fourth place. "We came here fighting for two points and came away with eight, which is just amazing. We really deserved this result today and to finally secure fifth place in the Championship is a great way for the team to finish the season.

"It was a very tough race though. It was nice to lead the race again for the second race in a row - even if it was only briefly on this occasion. I'd like to thank Honda for a fantastic race engine and all the race team for a great job this weekend, especially in the pit stops today.

"I'd also like to pay tribute to the team back at base for sticking with it during a very difficult year. This is a great boost for all of us for the winter."

Teammate Sato, replacing Canadian Jacques Villeneuve at the Brackley-based squad, had another dream home Grand Prix, scoring three points in his return to racing. Sato had finished in fifth place in last year's race, while driving for the Jordan team.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," Sato admitted. "Racing here this weekend came as a total surprise but to finish sixth and play a part in securing fifth place in the championship is just amazing. And all in front of my home crowd! This is a great way to start my racing career with BAR and now I can't wait for the start of the next season.

"I'd like to thank everyone from the team and Honda for making my return to racing so successful."

BAR finished in fifth position with 26 points.