Formula 1 news

Did BAR consider team order?

BAR could have engineered a hugely popular podium finish for Japanese hero Takuma Sato last Sunday. The 27-year-old opted for a three stop strategy at Suzuka, unlike two-stopping team-mate Jenson Button, and had to follow the Englishman home for fourth place in front of adoring fans.

So did the F1 team, incidentally courting a one-race Japanese sponsor in view of a longer term deal and at Honda's home grand prix, ever consider swapping the positions? Principal Dave Richards told UK's Daily Telegraph: "We don't do (that) sort of thing.'

Earlier in the race, Sato was allowed past Button to exercise the full legs of his lighter 006 car. "The drivers succeed on merit and fight it out in the team," Richards - who confirmed Sato would stay at the team next season - continued.

He said: "While we are a team, at the end of the day the drivers get the results they deserve."

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