SAO PAULO, Brazil, Oct 25 (AFP) - Jaguar Racing bowed out of Formula One in disappointing fashion here Sunday when their cars collided midway through the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Jaguar owners Ford could not provide the funding required to compete at the top level and decided to put the British-based outfit up for sale in September after a turbulent five year stint in the sport.
But with the team still up for sale the Interlagos race failed to provide a fairytale end to the story as Christian Klien crashed into team-mate Mark Webber and ended up as their sole finisher in 14th place.
Team chief Tony Purnell, who took over with managing director Dave Pitchforth in late 2002, admitted it was not the ideal end but said: "The men and women of Jaguar Racing have achieved more in the last two years than we thought possible.
"I am inspired by the attitude of this team that has rallied around to split the Ferraris on the grid in Malaysia, fight the Williams-BMWs in Hockenheim and beat the McLarens in Bahrain.
"They give every other team on the grid a run for their money when it comes to commitment and loyalty and the last five seasons in the sport has been more than valuable to the brand.
"Jaguar has a magnificent motorsport heritage and one that deserves to live on as there is no doubt that racing and winning are and should always be synonymous with Jaguar."
But that has not been the case in Formula One.
The team, which was created after Ford bought Stewart Grand Prix, quickly became renowned for regular changes of management during its early years with former racers Niki Lauda and Bobby Rahal both spending time at the helm.
After enjoying tremendous success in sportscars Jaguar made a high-profile arrival in 2000 when posterboards surrounding Melbourne's Albert Park Grand Prix circuit heralded the coming of the cat'.
They signed the 1999 world championship runner-up Eddie Irvine from Ferrari but their opening season yielded just four points and their second year just nine and Northern Irishman Irvine left after a third season.
Webber, who will now join Williams, took up the job of team leader but in his two years with the team he has never managed to better the fifth place finish he scored for his previous team Minardi on his Grand Prix debut.
He was devastated by the disappointing end and said: "Christian appeared not to see me coming and that was the end of my race.
"It was a sad end to what should have been a more rewarding race.
"I have had an amazing two years at Jaguar Racing and I have worked with some incredibly talented people. It is with a heavy heart that not only do I leave the team but that the team is to close as Jaguar Racing."
Klien added: "I did not think he was close enough to overtake but he tried it and we collided. I am disappointed with the outcome because both Mark and I were in good positions."
In 85 races they secured just 49 points with a best championship position of seventh in 2002 and 2003 and two third places in Monaco, 2001 and Italy, 2002 their best finishes.
But there may still be a lifeline for the team because Purnell is still working hard on the sale and the coming week is expected to be crucial as the November deadline for 2005 entries looms ever closer.
"We have a team that epitomises what Formula One should be about - team spirit, hard work and pure grit and determination," said Purnell. "It is surely a winning combination.
"The remarkable spirit of Jaguar Racing has been highlighted this weekend by the number of compliments I have received from other teams, media and sponsors praising the unswerving motivation and good humour the team has prortrayed."

10/25/2004 00:11 GMT - AFP