Villeneuve upbeat about new BAR

The Canadian has threatened to leave if the 004 looks set to be no more competitive than last year's car, following the departure of his friend and team boss Craig Pollock from the team. But Villeneuve was happy with the new racer, despite only managing the 12th quickest time at Barcelona today (Wednesday).

"I'm more optimistic than I was last year after the first day," he said. "The technical side of the car has been improved. We don't have the aero bits yet and there is still a lot to come, so what is coming for the start of the season should make it good."

Villeneuve was also encouraged by the performance from the all-new Honda engine. "The engine is in its infancy and there's a lot of things there. If things work out as they should then the mechanical side of the car is there to cope with it."

When he was asked if his verdict meant that he would stay with the team for the rest of the year, Villeneuve said: "Umm...I have a contract and I've always been committed for the season."

The former world champion's response to the BAR 004 matched that of team mate Olivier Panis, who has also been impressed by the car this week (see Thursday's issue of AUTOSPORT magazine).

Villeneuve flew to Villars ski resort for a charity event after the test. He will return to the cockpit to test the car again next week at the Valencia circuit in Spain.