MAC Tools steps up involvement with BAR.

Lucky Strike BAR Honda today announced that MAC Tools, previously a supplier to the team, has become an official team partner.

MAC Tools will continue to provide hand tools for the team's use at Grands Prix, testing and at the factory, however it will also be stepping up its involvement and will have on-car branding on the rear-wing endplates. The partnership will commence immediately and the MAC Tools logo will be seen on the BAR Honda 006 from this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

With a history dating back to 1938, MAC Tools is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of premium hand tools to the professional automotive industry. It serves the North American, European and Japanese markets through van-based franchised distributors. Its global head office is in Columbus, Ohio, with a European office in Northampton, UK. It is part of the Stanleyworks Corporation.

BAR managing director, Nick Fry, commented: "Formula One requires speed and precision on the circuit and in the pits. We need to give our drivers and technicians the very best equipment available and BAR is delighted that MAC Tools has chosen to increase its involvement with the team and help us take another step up the grid."

Adrian O'Nion, MAC Tools director commented: "MAC Tools is delighted to become an official team partner to BAR in what we believe will be the year that the team challenges the top three. We believe that the exciting new association with Jenson [Button], Takuma [Sato] and the team will further motivate our customers and staff.

"This is a partnership that adds even more credibility to our range of premium tools in what is the pinnacle of automotive engineering. 2004 will be the second year of MAC Tools' involvement with BAR. Last year we acted as team supplier of hand tools, an association which we were delighted with, and we decided to step up to take on the role as Team partner."