BAR (British American Racing)
Nationality - UK/USA
Debut in F1 - 1999
Drivers' Titles - 0
Constructors' Titles - 0
Current Drivers - Jenson
Button, Takuma
Sato
Team History
Amongst huge media hype British American Racing made its F1 debut
in Melbourne 1999 with drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta.
Despite the high expectations BAR had a dismal first season absent
of any poles, podiums, wins or points. The team broke its association
with Supertec and formed another with Honda in 2000. The new car
was more reliable and started challenging mid range teams such as
Jordan and Sauber. Though the team was unable to notch up any wins,
podiums or poles, BAR did finish the 2000 season with 20 points
and come 4th in Constructor's title.
In 2001 Olivier Panis replaced Zonta. Jacques Villeneuve did obtain
2 podiums, however the team as a whole only acquired 17 points.
2002 proved to be more disappointing with the team obtaining only
7 points. The margin between the elite F1 teams and BAR appeared
to be widening.
In 2001 Panis left and was replaced by Jenson
Button. Also Jacques Villeneuve left before the end of the season
and was replaced by Takuma
Sato. Despite the abrupt change the team still performed better
finishing up with a total of 26 points and a 5th place in the Driver’s
Championship.
Whilst disappointing, history dictates that it takes most teams
a few years to adapt to F1 standards.
|
