BAR feeling the financial pressure

The team, which is believed to receive £50 million a year from title sponsor British American Tobacco, has admitted that it is looking for additional sponsorship.

Rumours say that BAR has over-spent by as much as £20 million already in its debut season, and is looking for at least that amount to add to its annual budget.

BAT's director of global sponsorship, Tom Moser, denied that the team had over-spent, but admitted that they were looking for additional sponsorship.

He said the figures being mentioned are 'accurate'.

'It's not because of over-expending,' he said, ' it is just the cost of doing business.'

He explained that BAR would not be able to attain its goals of winning races and championships if it did not find the extra funds.'

'It's a bit of a catch 22,' he said. 'The reality is if we don't acquire new partners we will at least have to ensure the team has the short-term funding to compete at that level.'

Moser said the perception that BAR is already well funded was making finding the extra sponsorship difficult.

'There is a perception that they are over-funded if you want to call it that,' he said.

'The next three to six months will be critical.'