BAR increases young driver programme

B*A*R HONDA INCREASES COMMITMENT TO YOUNG DRIVERS

B*A*R Honda is delighted to confirm that it has signed long-term agreements with two further members of the team's Young Driver Programme. South African Alan van der Merwe and Brazilian Danilo Dirani now join fellow YDP members Adam Carroll and James Rossiter in formalising their relationship with the team.

All four drivers have been part of the Young Driver Programme since it was established in the autumn of 2004. The initiative, led by Sporting Director Gil de Ferran and Senior Race Engineer Jock Clear, is designed to help develop emerging motorsport talent from which the team could potentially benefit in the longer-term.

25 year old Alan is a former British F3 Champion, voted Rookie of the Year in 2002 before winning the title in 2003. Prior to that, in 2001, he won the Formula Ford Festival. He is currently supporting B*A*R Honda's 'Bonneville 400' record attempt, which takes place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States on 5 October. Alan is currently finalising his plans for a race seat in one of the feeder formulae for next season.

22 year old Danilo won the South American F3 Championship in 2003 before coming to England at the start of 2004 to compete in the British Formula 3 Championship. He is now in his second season, having won two races this year, and is currently sixth in the Drivers' Championship with two races remaining.

Whilst developing their racecraft through the junior ranks, B*A*R Honda will continue to support all of its Young Drivers with technical, fitness and performance coaching through the Young Driver Programme.

Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director at B*A*R Honda, commented: "Our team had identified Alan and Danilo as two very promising young drivers with impressive results, After observing them closely throughout this past season, we decided that our faith in their potential was justified."

Alan van der Merwe said, "Being part of the Young Driver Programme with B*A*R Honda has been a fantastic opportunity which couldn't have come at a better time for me. It's very difficult for a driver to get the chance to integrate into a top team like B*A*R Honda and the team's Young Driver Programme has already given me exciting projects like the Bonneville 400. I look forward to a successful future with the team."

Danilo Dirani commented: "I am really pleased to be part of the B*A*R Honda Young Driver Programme. Working with the team over the last year has given me invaluable support, particularly with my fitness and preparation for races and I really appreciate the chance of working with a professional F1 team at this early stage of my career."

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