British American Racing arrives in F1
© 1997 ATLAS F1

Tuesday December 2, 1997


In a press conference in London today, BAT (British American Tobacco), Reynard, and Craig Pollock announced the formation of British American Racing, a brand new Formula One team for 1999. In the one hour conference, hosted by Clive James, Craig Pollock, Adrian Reynard, and Martin Broughton of BAT answered questions about the future of the team and the thinking behind the creation of the team.

The team, which will enter F1 in 1999, will be run from a new factory despite the take-over of the Tyrrell team. Tyrrell will continue 1998 as planned and British American Racing will have a new car designed for them by Malcolm Oastler who currently works on the Reynard CART chassis. According to Adrian Reynard, the exchange of data between Tyrrell and BAR will be minimal and the new chassis will be just that, new. He also said:"We will aim to put the car on pole position and win the first race."

Although the chief designer of the CART chassis is moving over to F1, Adrian Reynard stated that he had received no comments from CART teams about any of their concerns about quality of service as Reynard Cars are committed remain in CART for the foreseeable future. This is confirmed by the building of a new factory that will be shared by the F1 and CART operations as well as the special projects Reynard is noted for.

When asked about whether Jacques Villeneuve would be joining the team for 1999, Pollock stated that the team would choose the best drivers available be it Villeneuve or 1997 rival Michael Schumacher. In addition to this, the new owners said they would expect to be considered with regards to the choice of the second Tyrrell driver for 1998.

No engine deal was announced, but it was hinted that a deal is almost done. The most likely scenario is that BAR will pick up the Renault-sourced Mecachrome engine deal that is available for 1999.

Ken Tyrrell commented to the deal: "This has probably been the most difficult decision I've ever had to take. It was a decision which I believe was the right one. The cost to compete in Formula One has escalated dramatically. Tyrrell Racing Organisation is not satisfied with being relegated to the back of the grid. Our competitive spirit is too high."


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