Formula 1
Italian GP: BAR race notes
Lucky Strike B*A*R Honda are second in the Formula One Constructors' Championship today after making a thrilling return to the podium in Monza. Jenson Button delivered a fantastic performance, leading for much of the 53-lap Italian Grand Prix, with ...
Published: Sep 13, 2004, 3:41 PM
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Lucky Strike B*A*R Honda are second in the Formula One Constructors' Championship today after making a thrilling return to the podium in Monza. Jenson Button delivered a fantastic performance, leading for much of the 53-lap Italian Grand Prix, with a first victory for him and the team looking like a distinct possibility at the mid-point of the race. In the end he was forced to succumb to the dominant Ferraris but finished third to achieve his eighth podium of the season.
His team-mate Takuma Sato drove an equally impressive race to finish just five seconds behind him in fourth. In light of Renault's two-car DNF, B*A*R's 11-point haul now puts them three points ahead of their closest rivals with the final three races of the season certain to see an exciting battle for the runner-up spot in the Championship.
Jenson Button:
"It's fantastic for B*A*R to move into second in the Constructors' Championship after such a great result today. We came very close to our first victory here but third and fourth for myself and Taku is amazing and I dedicate this podium to the team who have done a great job all weekend. I didn't think the Ferraris were going to be that strong from what we could see earlier in the race, but all credit to them for turning things around in the closing stages."
"We did a good job to get into third place by the first stops and we had a strong race, but unfortunately not as strong as the Ferraris. In the end I focused on looking after the tyres and extending the gap between myself and Alonso. I think we have an exciting end to the season ahead of us and I now look forward to the challenge of a new race in China in two weeks' time."
Takuma Sato:
"It was a very spectacular race. We started in damp conditions with half the circuit still wet, so I think everyone seemed to struggle a bit in the beginning. My start was good but I could not pull away at the exit of the first chicane, so I lost quite a few places. Once the conditions improved though I was able to get back on the pace. The most important thing is that the team have come home second in the Championship and the momentum from today must be carried forward for the last three races of the season, which will be extremely exciting."
David Richards, Team Principal:
"To move up to second place in the championship is fantastic! Every single person in the Team; back in England, aswell as Honda and Michelin, should be very proud of today's achievement. We took the fight to Ferrari on their home ground, and although we had to bow to them in the end, we showed how strong the team is with third and fourth, and with just five seconds between the two drivers. That elusive win is all that is missing for us this year and I am sure that we have a good chance of achieving that in the last three races. China in two weeks should be a very exciting weekend."
Geoffrey Willis, Technical Director:
"We came to Monza confident of a good result, nevertheless to finish third and fourth and move to second place in the Championship is just reward for the excellent job the team have done all weekend. Both drivers ran very well- controlled races and certainly deserved this result."
"After the first stop, where perfect pit work saw Jenson able to return into the lead it looked as though an even better result was possible. However, once again, the Ferraris impressed everyone with their relentless pace. Nevertheless this result shows the strength in depth of the whole B*A*R Honda partnership."
Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development:
"I am very happy. Both drivers did an excellent job today, our lap times were strong throughout the race and neither made any mistakes. Although it is a good feeling to be second in the world championship we are conscious of the performance gap to Ferrari and know we have a lot of work to do."
Jenson Button
Chassis: BAR Honda 006-05
Position: 3rd
Best lap time: 1:22.671
Takuma Sato
Chassis: BAR Honda 006-06
Position: 4th
Best lap time: 1:22.660
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