Bar Launch Two-tone Attack

British American Racing today confirmed what many had suspected when it unveiled two differently liveried cars at its official launch.


Contravening the FIA's newest rule preventing teams running differently hued machines, BAR rolled out cars bearing the colours of Lucky Strike and 555 for members of the press and other invited guests at the team's hi-tech Brackley premises. As expected, Jacques Villeneuve will carry the colours of Lucky Strike, with team-mate Ricardo Zonta doing the honours for 555. A showdown with the authorities is now likely, however, although BAR, and its sponsors, continue to claim that it is within its right to present two different paintjobs.


(As a company, we market our products in a different and innovative way compared to our rivals,) said British American Tobacco head of global sponsorship, Tom Moser, (This approach has generated controversy in Formula One circles, but from our standpoint it is difficult to understand why. After all, Formula One teams have, in the past, run dual-liveried cars - it certainly doesn't detract from the overall show; if anything it enhances it.)


Team boss Craig Pollock shared similar sentiments to his major backers: (Our new organisation's mission is clear,) said the Scot, (To make a positive contribution to the Formula One paddock and to win races. In doing so, I'd like to think that we could also have some fun along the way.)


Aside from the wrangling which has surrounded the new team's entry to F1, pride was the overriding sentiment at the launch. (To give everyone a sense of the achievement here is relatively easy,) admitted Pollock, (A year ago, this site was a muddy field crossed by a meandering stream. Today, it is the newest, best-equipped facility in grand prix racing.)


(By combining technology with the dedication of 202 world-class staff, we have the perfect launching pad for British American Racing's efforts to win the Formula One World Championship. Quality is essential. I want the best for the team: the best engine, the best chassis, the finest engineers - and the greatest drivers)


(Our style is definitely going to be open and up-front, while still having a fierce commitment to excel. You can produce a winning team in a really tough series, and still be accessible to the people around you.


British American Racing will now show the people its cars as the whole launch procedure is carried out four times a day for the general public at the Autosport International exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.