Honda: No Overhaul at BAR

Honda have indicated that the only change likely to be made at BAR following their takeover of the team is the name

Jonathan Noble Oct 6, 2005, 9:49 AM

The Japanese car manufacturer announced earlier this week that they were buying the remaining 55 percent stake in the team from British American Tobacco. Honda had bought 45 percent of the outfit at the end of 2004.

Speaking about the impact of the buy-out, Honda's racing president Yasuhiro Wada said there was unlikely to be an organisational revamp.

"There will be no major structural changes," he said. "The name might be different - so no more BAR. But we haven't finalised the name of the team yet.

"With the organisational structures, everything will stay as we are today."

BAR boss Nick Fry re-iterated that Lucky Strike will remain the team's title sponsor for 2006 - meaning a name-change is unlikely before 2007.

"The plan next season is to continue with Lucky Strike sponsorship," he said. "Lucky Strike are keen to continue until the end of 2006 and we don't see a lot of change just because the equity has changed."