Honda poised to buy BAR

Japanese car giant Honda is set to become a Formula One team owner with BAR, BBC Sport has learned. Honda has supplied engines to BAR for four years but wants to increase its commitment to winning in F1. A deal is said to be agreed, but sources differ on whether Honda will buy BAR outright or become a co-owner with a 40% shareholding. BAR team principal David Richards is expected to move on, with managing director Nick Fry taking the reins. The team would continue to be based in Brackley in Oxforshire, with Jenson Button and Takuma Sato as the drivers. It will be the first time Honda has been an F1 team owner since 1968, despite dominating the sport as an engine supplier with Williams and McLaren in the 1980s and early 1990s, and returning with BAR in 2000. Honda and BAR were unavailable for comment. Richards told fellow team principals last week that he was unable to agree any proposals for rule changes because the team was being sold and he had to report back to Honda. said: "Honda will buy the team eventually – some time in the next 12 months." Another added: "My understanding is that Honda is going to buy a percentage of BAR, but not a controlling interest. "There is a deal done, but there are some loose ends to tie up." BBC Sport