Second Team

A Second Team in motorsport refers to a racing team that has a close relationship with a primary manufacturer team, often receiving equipment, technical support, or sharing ownership while maintaining some level of independence.

The most common type of second team is called a satellite team. These teams buy or lease their racing equipment from major manufacturers like Honda, Ferrari, or Ducati. Think of it like a franchise relationship - the satellite team gets proven technology and support, while the manufacturer gets more cars on track to gather data and showcase their products.

Another type is sister teams, where the same company owns multiple racing teams in the same series. Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB in Formula 1 are perfect examples. Both teams are owned by Red Bull but compete as separate entities with their own drivers and strategies.

Second teams serve several important purposes in motorsport. They provide opportunities for young drivers to gain experience before potentially moving up to the main factory team. They also help manufacturers test new parts and gather valuable race data from multiple cars without the full cost of running additional factory operations.

The relationship between a second team and its parent organization varies greatly. Some satellite teams operate almost completely independently, making their own strategic decisions and developing their own car setups. Others work more closely with their parent team, sharing data and resources within the rules of their racing series.

Racing regulations typically limit how much collaboration is allowed between affiliated teams to ensure fair competition. For example, teams might be restricted from sharing certain technical data or coordinating race strategies that could unfairly advantage one manufacturer over others.

While some people occasionally use the term "B-team" to describe second teams, this can be seen as negative since it suggests the team lacks independence or ambition. Most second teams are competitive operations in their own right, with their own goals and championships to pursue.