Branding to remain for the 2006 season
British American Tobacco (BAT) today confirms that it has agreed the sale of its 55 per cent stake in BAR Honda to Honda Motor Co. Ltd. The sale is expected to take effect by 31 December 2005.
With Honda’s existing 45 per cent shareholding, purchased in January 2005, this transaction will give Honda complete ownership of the team.
The BAR Honda team (then British American Racing) was established by BAT in 1997. After a challenging first few years it rose to second place in the 2004 FIA Constructors’ World Championship, one of the quickest ascents of a F1 team.
BAT intends to remain as the title sponsor, through Lucky Strike, for the 2006 season, but will honour its long-standing commitment to exit Formula One sponsorship at the end of that season. This is consistent with the International Tobacco Marketing Standards, to which British American Tobacco voluntarily subscribed in 2001, along with its major international competitors.
“It will be sad to end our association but it is immensely satisfying to leave the team in the competent hands of Honda who are proven winners in the sport," commented Jimmi Rembiszewski, Marketing Director. "We wish Honda every success for the future and look forward to our last year of sponsorship.”


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