BAR Deny Takeover Stories

British American Racing today categorically rejected two reports appearing in this week's motorsport press.

Autosport magazine carried a story claiming that Honda, BAR's technical partner and engine supplier, is planning to purchase the team before the 2002 Formula One season.

Also, the November issue of F1 Racing magazine contains an article based on an anonymously supplied document that alleges a group of BAR management personnel are involved in a plan to purchase the team.

Responding to these stories, BAR Chief Operating Officer Ian Ross said, "Neither the shareholders, directors, nor senior managers of BAR have any knowledge of a desire on the part of Honda to purchase the team and they have certainly not discussed such a plan with us.

"As for the article alleging that a number of senior BAR staff are involved in a scheme to purchase the team, I can confirm that none of the current team personnel named in the story have agreed to support any such move.

"While these stories may be destructive in nature, they will not deflect the team's clear focus on attempting to secure fourth place in the World Constructors' Championship at next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix."