Honda to run special livery at final grand prix
The 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix will be the final race in British American Tobacco’s association with F1 over the past eight years. To mark its departure as title sponsor of the Honda Racing F1 Team and its withdrawal from the world of motor sport, the team will be running a unique and distinct livery over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
Third driver Anthony Davidson’s Friday Practice car will be known simply as the ‘Goodbye’ car and will feature a goodbye message to every country that currently hosts a grand prix. From China to the US, the design is BAT’s way of bidding farewell to the F1 community around the world.
The race car livery used on Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello’s Honda RA106s is called ‘Racing Forever’. The tattoo concept reflects a popular way in which people choose to mark special associations and affiliations in their lives. BAT wanted a design that would be positive, commemorative and show that even though it is leaving F1, its sponsorship has left a permanent mark on the team and the sport. The tattoos have a retro, historic racing feel with a modern twist that compliments the brand ethos.
British American Tobacco most recently entered F1 in 1997 when it founded the British American Racing team, competing in its first season of the FIA Formula One World Championship in 1999. Following the full sale of the team to Honda last year, BAT has continued in its role as title sponsor of the Honda Racing F1 Team.
