Ricardo Zonta at the 2000 Belgian Grand PrixHonda RA000E 3.0L V10 engine
The BAR 002 was the inaugural season of a Honda engine supply, a partnership which would eventually lead to the team being bought out by the Japanese company for the 2006 season. The car had its first shakedown with the new engine at Silverstone Circuit in December 1999, where Jacques Villeneuve completed 34 laps.[2][3] Due to a focus on the reliability of the car for 2000, visually the car looked very similar to the BAR 01 of the previous season.[4]
Following the failure of the 1999 season where BAR scored no points; both Villeneuve and Zonta scored points in the first race at Australia.[7] Fourth place would be the cars best finish of the season, Villeneuve achieving this across a further three Grand Prix in France, Austria and the United States of America. Zonta scored points at a total of three Grand Prix in 2000.[8]
During the season in August, it was announced Ricardo Zonta would be replaced by Olivier Panis for the 2001 season.[9] Zonta later criticising the atmosphere in the team in 2000.[10]
The team finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship, with 20 points. This tally was equal to the Benetton team, but Giancarlo Fisichella's podium finishes ensured that the Anglo-Italian team stayed ahead.
In 2012, chassis 020-05, which scored points in the hands of Zonta at the Italian Grand Prix, was offered for sale at auction in Monaco. It had been acquired by Brawn GP when purchasing the assets of the former Honda F1 Team.[11][12]
Livery
This was the first time the BAR had been seen in Lucky Strike livery, stepping away from the split of the 555 branding season prior.
BAR used the Lucky Strike logos, except at the British, French and United States Grands Prix due to a ban on tobacco advertising in those countries.
