Q&A with David Richards

The below press conference was held yesterday in Japan. Transcript provided by BAR's press office

Q: How did you decide upon Takuma Sato?

Richards:

"Takuma's first year in Formula One came courtesy of BAR when he tested for the team in 2001. He impressed the team with his speed that year, but with no race seat available for 2002, Takuma decided to accept an offer from Jordan to race for them and gain more experience. BAR retained a close interest in his progress and he returned to the team as third driver in 2003 with valuable experience under his belt, which he has consolidated with a year spent testing with the team.

"Takuma has done an excellent job for us in testing this year and has confirmed our long-held belief that he has enormous potential. Takuma is widely regarded as a very fast driver and he has had a meteoric rise to Formula One. When he drove for Jordan in 2002 he had just four years' prior racing experience and during that first season we saw flashes of brilliance, which he underlined with an impressive performance in the Japanese grand prix last year. After a further year of testing with BAR in 2003, we firmly believe that he deserves the opportunity to translate his natural speed into consistent race performances.

"With Jenson moving into his fifth season in Formula One, and his second with BAR, he will provide a counterbalance of experience alongside the fresh enthusiasm of Takuma. A young and hungry driver line-up is essential for us to move closer to achieving our championship ambitions.

"In addition to those primary considerations, the fact that Takuma is Japanese will clearly be of great benefit to communications between the BAR and Honda engineers. Takuma is a Honda protege. He graduated from Honda Formula Dream and naturally they are extremely keen to see his career progress."

Q: Why did you decide against re-signing Jacques?

Richards:

"The team very much appreciates Jacques' commitment over the past five years, however, as his contract with BAR has come to an end, we believe this is the appropriate time to refresh the driver line-up. I have worked with Jacques for two years and I have a great deal of respect for him, but it is important for all organisations to recognise the need for change. Sometimes there is a tendency to continue with the same ingredient, even though the overall result is not satisfactory, when in fact you have to recognise when all of the ingredients are not working together and start afresh. The team needs new blood in order to progress."

Q: when was the decision made and by whom?

Richards:

"We have been in discussions for around six months but the decision was finally made last week. As team principal, the final decision rested with me, but naturally this was after considering the views of our partners, Lucky Strike and Honda."

Q: when was Jacques informed of the decision and by whom?

Richards:

"I informed Jacques personally on Friday."

Q: What are the terms of BAR's contract with Takuma?

Richards:

"Takuma signed a three-year contract with BAR at the start of 2003, the first year of which was as third driver. We have taken up our option on his services as a race driver for 2004 and we fully expect Takuma to meet all of the performance criteria and be racing in 2005."

Q: Just how good do you think Takuma is?

Richards:

"Takuma is probably the best driver that Japan has ever produced. When you look at his track record prior to Formula One, it is the equal of many former F1 World Champions at the same stage in their careers.

"In 2000 - Takuma's first year in the British Formula 3 championship - he won four of his races and ended the season third in the championship. In 2001 he took a decisive win in the championship with 12 race wins.

"We also shouldn't forget that he has only one season of Formula One racing under his belt."