German GP: BAR race notes

Lucky Strike B*A*R Honda celebrated today when Jenson Button finished 3rd in the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. After lining up on the front row of the grid, he recovered from a difficult start to get himself right back into the thick of the action, then set his sights on reining in Michael Schumacher in his own backyard to get himself back into podium contention.

After 10-laps close behind, Jenson chose his moment well and disposed of the current World Champion at the hairpin, quickly pulling away and with excellent work from the pit crew ensured that things remained that way for the duration of the race. Despite a valiant effort running at the speed of the two in front, he was unable to catch Juan Pablo Montoya for second but was delighted to deliver a further six points and the team's first trophy of 2005.

Takuma Sato was forced to pit for a new nose at the end of the first lap which prevented him from achieving a points-scoring position. He ended the race 12th. Following today's result, B*A*R Honda leapfrogs two teams in the Constructors' Championship in one go, boosting its position to 7th with 15 points.

Jenson Button:

"It's fantastic to be back on the podium today after a great race for me and the team. I don't need to tell anyone what a tough season this has been for us and it's a great feeling to come away from here with a trophy for the guys who've worked so hard to get us up there today."

"I didn't get a great start and obviously Michael was able to pass me. In the first stint I worried that I might not be able to catch him but then he seemed to lose a bit of pace and I just kept pushing and pushing until I had my chance. I had to keep pushing hard because I knew he was stopping later than me, but in the end I was able to keep him behind for the rest of the race."

"Catching Juan Pablo was always going to be a different matter though. For us it was just a great race and I enjoyed every minute because I could push the car all the way. It's a huge boost to everyone at the Team, Honda and Michelin and my thanks to all of them."

Takuma Sato:

"The race was a very big disappointment for me today, particularly as we had qualified with so much fuel on-board so I felt we were in a strong position. I had a small incident in turn one but the car was OK. I was following Fisichella through turn three which is usually flat, when for some reason he lifted and there was no way to avoid hitting him."

"We had to change the nose and I knew then that I was going to have a very difficult race but kept going. It was a big shame because the team had done a very good job, the car was performing well and getting better and better. Now I have to keep motivated and look forward to Hungary next weekend."

Gil de Ferran, Sporting director:

"We are very happy with Jenson's podium. He drove a very strong race pushing hard throughout and perfectly executing an overtaking manoeuvre over Michael that turned out to be decisive for us to finish third. The Honda engine and Michelin tyres performed faultlessly throughout the race."

"Unfortunately Taku got caught in a traffic jam coming out of turn three and had to stop for a new nose, which delayed him a lot and made it difficult for him to score points. This result sets us up nicely for the qualifying order in Hungary, where we are again hoping to be fighting at the sharp end of the grid."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering director, Honda Racing Development:

"Congratulations to Jenson for a fantastic drive - including a brilliant overtaking manoeuvre on Michael Schumacher - right in front of a group of over 1000 Honda dealer guests! He drove a great race from start to finish and fully deserved his podium finish. It was a shame that Takuma had another early race incident, but he again recovered well and must keep looking forward. I'm sure his luck will turn."

Jenson Button
Chassis: BAR Honda 007-04
Position: 3rd
Best Lap Time: 1:15.843

Takuma Sato
Chassis: BAR Honda 007-05
Position: 12th
Best Lap Time: 1:16.725

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