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On the eve of Honda's 100th grand prix as BAR's engine partner, the Japanese manufacturer has acquired a 100 per cent shareholding in the Brackley-based team.

Less than a year after purchasing a 45 per cent share in BAR Limited, Honda has agreed to acquire founding-owner British American Tobacco's 55 per cent majority share. Honda will complete the purchase of the remaining shares by the end of 2005.

The announcement was made in Tokyo on Tuesday ahead of Honda's home grand prix at Suzuka this weekend. Following BMW's acquisition of the Hinwil-based Sauber team, Honda will be the second new works team to join the F1 paddock in 2006.

Honda considers 100 per cent ownership of the team to be a crucial step in its ambition to win the constructors' world championship in the near future.

The team will continue to conduct operations from its current base in Northamptonshire, England, and continue its partnership with Honda Racing Development Limited, which is located in Berkshire.

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