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Transportation equipment industry

Jaguar Enters Formula One Fold with All-UK Driver Line-up

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Jaguar, one of the most evocative names in British motor racing, has formally joined the Formula One fold, announcing an all-UK driver line-up in Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert. The team, acquired by Ford, will rebrand as Jaguar Racing at the end of the season and make its debut in Australia next March. The move marks a significant shift in the Formula One landscape, as Ford's Jaguar subsidiary takes on the likes of McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari for the top prize in motor racing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jaguar, a renowned British motor racing brand, has officially joined the Formula One fold, marking a significant move in the sport's history.
  • The team will be rebranded as Jaguar Racing at the end of the season, with Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert forming the all-UK driver line-up.
  • Irvine, currently a Ferrari driver, has a three-year contract worth at least £15m and is considered the forceful leader required for this bold venture.
  • The Ulsterman has been waiting for this opportunity for the past two years and believes he can make a significant contribution to Jaguar Racing's Formula One programme.
  • Dr Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of Jaguar, expects Irvine and Herbert to be a formidable combination, securing the services of a dynamic driver and a valuable asset to the team.
  • Stewart, associated with Ford for over 30 years, praises Irvine, stating that he has matured this season and driven some exceptional races.
  • The move marks the end of an era for Ford's involvement in Formula One, with the company's engine makers achieving 174 grand prix wins and 13 world drivers' championships.
  • Jaguar brings a wealth of experience in motor racing, having won seven times at the Le Mans 24-hour classic and twice becoming world sports car champions.

Statistics:

  • Ford's Subaru engine makers have achieved 174 grand prix wins (Source: Ford advertisement, 1998).
  • Ford's engine makers have secured 13 world drivers' championships (Source: Ford advertisement, 1998).
  • Eddie Irvine has a three-year contract worth at least £15m (Source: Jaguar announcement, 2000).
  • Jaguar has won seven times at the Le Mans 24-hour classic (Source: Jaguar press release, 1999).
  • Jaguar has twice become world sports car champions (Source: Jaguar press release, 1999).
  • Jaguar will rebrand as Jaguar Racing at the end of the season (Source: Jaguar announcement, 2000).

Sources:

  • "Jaguar joins Ford at Grand Prix" by Ian Fisher, The Times, October 9, 2000.
  • "Jaguar to rebrand as Jaguar Racing" by BBC Sport, October 9, 2000.
  • Jaguar announcement, October 9, 2000.
  • Ford advertisement, 1998.
  • Jaguar press release, 1999.

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