Hungary: Far slower than we predicted

By BAR Honda
July 31 2005

BAR Honda welcomed a strong two-car finish in today's Hungarian Grand Prix, securing solid Championship points for the fourth consecutive race.

Jenson Button and Takuma Sato brought their BAR Honda 007 race cars home in 5th and 8th places respectively and the 5 points they collected puts the team within easy reach of sixth place in the Constructors' standings.

It was an eventful race at the Hungaroring, which once again basked in very uncomfortable temperatures of up to 36°C. Both Jenson and Takuma deftly picked their way through the first lap melee, escaping the debris from the Renault and Red Bull incidents. Although both drivers performed well throughout the race, it became clear that the team's tyre choice did not suit today's track conditions which prevented the team from challenging for a repeat of its German Grand Prix podium last weekend. Nonetheless, the team embarks on its summer break in buoyant spirits and will return refreshed and ready for the challenge of the six remaining races.

Gil de Ferran, BAR Honda's Sporting Director, said "It is good to have both cars finishing in the points yet again and demonstrating a strong, reliable package. This is particularly true for Taku, who scored his first point of the season. However we believe that we made the wrong choice on tyres and, as a result, we were far slower than we predicted during the race and were unable to fight for the podium position we were hoping for."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Honda Racing Development's Engineering Director, added "Both engines worked very well throughout the race today and the drivers got the best performance from the car. Our tyre choice did not suit today's track conditions and we were unable to fight for a podium, however we achieved a two-car points finish for the first time this season. After this race the team will be able to enjoy a well-deserved summer break after a long season so far. When we return, I am sure everyone will be refreshed and ready to fight again for more even more points."