2005 BAR 007

BAR Racing (British American Racing) use their BAR/Honda 007 during 2005 Formula One competition. The team had come into existence in 1999. Their top driver had been Jacques Villeneuve, until 2003 when he was replaced by Jenson Button. Takuma Sato served as the teams second driver, a position he had held since 2003. The team had an amazing season in 2004 as thy scored 119 points and managed a very impressive second place finish. This had been their best season to date and they had high hopes for 2005. Nick Fry, the Chief Executive Officer of B.A.R. Honda predicted the new 007 racer would continue the teams success and possibly even be a contender for the World Championship by 2007.

The B.A.R. Honda 007 was unveiled at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. The team had made serious improvements in the prior season by modifying the aerodynamics and improving engineering standards. The relationship with Honda was a big help, as their engines had greatly improved and their financial support provided the means to become a serious contender.

The 007 brought with it further improvements in build quality, high standards of engineering, and changes to the design. It became smaller and more compact with all of the components integrated even closer to one another throughout the vehicle. As size decreased, so did the overall weight of the vehicle which continued to improve the vehicles power-to-weight ratio.

The B.A.R. team really did not hit their stride during the 2005 season until San Marino; they were showing much promise before being disqualified for running with illegal cars. Allegations were made that the cars were below 605 kg which was the minimum weight requirement for a Formula 1 car. The team had interpreted the rule to include 6 kg of fuel which meant it would satisfy the race in pre-race checks but would not pass at post-race examination. In the end, the FIA upheld their allegations and the team's effort was disqualified at the race and banned for two races, including the Monaco Grand Prix.

When the team returned to competition, they struggled to find their stride. A since point would not be scored until mid-season, at the French Grand Prix. Throughout the entire season, Sato would score just one point which caused him to be replaced at the end of the season, by former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello. Button managed two podium finishes. The team finished the season with a total of 38 points and in sixth place in the Constructors Championship.

Honda obtained 100% of the B.A.R. team at the end of the 2005 season.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007