By Phil Huff (13/09/2004)
September 16 2004

Following an impressive ninth podium of the season, beaten only by Ferrari's haul of 26 podium finishes, Lucky Strike BAR Honda have now overtaken Renault for second in the Constructors' Championship. Renault's failure to take any points from Monza meant they remained in 91 points, now three points behind the Brackley team following their 11 point gain at the Italian Grand Prix.

BAR Honda now stand on 94 points, more than the combined total scored in the previous five years. Finishing second in the Constructors' Championship will provide the team with a significant cash boost for next year. BAR's previous highest finishes came in 2000 and 2003, finishing 5th on both occasions.



"To move up to second place in the championship is fantastic!" said an obviously delighted David Richards. The team principal added "Every single person in the Team; back in England, as well as Honda and Michelin, should be very proud of today's achievement."

Renault boss Flavio Briatore was less enthusiastic, saying "It was frustrating day for the entire team. After fifteen races, our season will now come down to the last three rounds: our objective will be to close the gap to BAR."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Engineering Director at Honda Racing Development, tempered the BAR celebrations slightly, reminding the team of the huge task ahead. "Although it is a good feeling to be second in the world championship," he said, "we are conscious of the performance gap to Ferrari and know we have a lot of work to do."

There's no stopping David Richards, though: "That elusive win is all that is missing for us this year and I am sure that we have a good chance of achieving that in the last three races."