BAR's first year a disappointment

CART boss Jerry Forsythe, who sits on the British American Racing team's board, and owns a 15 per cent stake in the company, told Autosport Online that he was 'extremely disappointed' with the outfit's first year in F1.

'I am very surprised that the chassis wasn't more reliable, as well as the engine,' he said.

'I think we have two excellent drivers, but they didn't have the opportunity to show their expertise. That will change next year.

'This year was a learning year, and in retrospect, it's easy to be a genius and say we should have waited a year and tested and made sure of ourselves on the circuits.

'It wasn't our intention to embarrass ourselves - although that has taken place.'

Forsythe, who sits on the CART board, and owns the Player's/Forsythe and McDonald's Racing Champ Car teams, believes BAR's engine deal with Honda next year will prove a turnaround for the marque.

'That is the light at the end of the tunnel as far as I'm concerned.

'Honda [motor corporation] wouldn't enter into the series if they weren't convinced they could be out there and be competitive...they have worked very closely with Reynard and their engineers - and I am very optimistic.

'It will be a different year.'