F1: BAR chief sets sights on F1

New British American Racing team principal Dave Richards plans to be in a position to challenge for the Formula One World Championship by 2004.

Richards, who also runs rally preparation company Prodrive as well as the World Rally Championship, has taken on the difficult task of motivating former world champion Jacques Villeneuve following the departure of the Canadian’s friend Craig Pollock to make way for the new team boss.

But Richards is in no doubt he can put BAR at the forefront of the sport by 2004 and plans to use Prodrive as part of a new team set-up.

After one troubled year in charge of the Benetton team in 1998, Richards does not expect things to go smoothly from day one this time around.

‘‘I don’t think this is going to be an overnight wonder and I think we have a very tough three years ahead,’’ Richards said.

‘‘But we’re in the right place at the right time, and over the next couple of years you will see it all come together.

‘‘The aim is to be in a title-winning position by 2004 so if we work backwards we’ll be challenging for wins and podiums in 2003. What that means for this year, it’s still too early to say.’’

But first Richards needs to discover how he will juggle his three jobs at BAR, Prodrive and as holder of the WRC commercial rights.