David Richards ousted from BAR

[sydude]

Richards ousted in Honda deal

Friday November 19 2004

Team boss David Richards will leave BAR at the end of the year after engine provider Honda agreed to buy a 45 per cent stake in the team.


As had been reported earlier in the week Richards has been forced out of the team with a year of his contract still left to run. The BAR team boss will depart despite having guided the team to a best-ever second in the Constructors' Championship last season.


Honda have supplied engines to BAR since 2000 and have widely been expected to take a more active role in the running of the team when owners British American Tobacco are eased out due to anti-cigarette advertising restrictions.


On Friday Honda agreed to buy a minority stake in BAR for a substantial sum and immediately set about a management shake-up.


Richards, whose Prodrive organisation challenges for international titles in rallying and sportscars, remained positive despite having his contract paid up by the new regime.


He said: "We were brought in by British American Tobacco to turn the team around and secure its long-term future and that is what we have done."


"I am immensely proud of what Prodrive has achieved in a shorter time than anticipated. I believe that BAR Honda is now in a very healthy position to continue its pursuit of the World Championship."


"Obviously I and all at Prodrive will take a strong interest in the fortunes of the team in the future."


BAR director Antonio Monteiro de Castro paid tribute to Richards' influence in turning the team from midfield no-hopers to genuine podium challengers.


He said: "We're delighted Honda wants to increase its involvement in BAR which has gone from strength to strength this season.


"We are particularly grateful to David Richards and Prodrive for helping to achieve this improvement and providing a springboard for the next phase of the team's development."


Honda managing director Takanobu Ito added: "This is a natural extension of our relationship with BAR and is an important step for both partners. The new commitment will further strengthen the structure for cooperation with BAR as we push forward with our Formula One challenge."