So much has happened since the last newsletter, and it's up to me to apologise for taking so long in sending one out, but I'll just use the excuse that the newsletter merely tells you about all the things you've already seen on the website.

You do actually read the site, don't you?

Good.

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If you do, you'll already know that a mince pie overload has closed BAR-Talk.com, so you should be grateful that you're getting this at all!

You'll also know that the new Honda Concept is up and running around the F1 circuits, and that's it's fitted with a V8 engine. What's encouraging is the reliability shown by the V8 to date, with very few significant problems. Considering the dreadful start to 2005, that can only be a good thing, even if it means sacrificing some performance.

One sacrifice made is Takuma Sato, who heads out of the Honda effort, seemingly headed towards the, er, Honda effort. Super Aguri F1, while not guaranteed an entry on the 2006 championship, at least has support of the other 10 teams, and Takuma is high on their shopping list. We know there's a contract with Taku's management as we speak - it just needs the team to get FIA approval and Sato will sign.

Signed up to replace him (like how I linked that?) is Rubens Barrichello, although he's not managed to drive a Honda powered car yet. Once he's released from his Ferrari contract, which should be less than 72 hours, he'll be free to drive for Honda Racing F1, and we'll have a race-winning driver that brings with him all the knowledge he's gained at Ferrari.

With one gain comes a loss, as senior aerodynamicist Willem Toet leaves the team, with no plans to replace him, with Honda instead choosing to restructure their aerodynamics department. Given that the stunning new wind tunnel at Brackley should be in operation by the summer, it remains to be seen how much that will help or hinder the team.

So it's all change. New team, new structure, new name, new drivers, new cars, new engines, new rules. Even at BAR-Talk.com it's all change, with a new look, new name and new writers. Just one thing remains the same.

The passion.

Have a great new year, and lets make sure 2006 rocks!

Phil Huff
BAR-Talk.com

While the site is getting its revamp, menu options may appear, disappear or move, and images may randomly vanish and reappear. Stick with it, and wait for the new site on 1 January 2006 ;-)

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