Jacques snubs his own birthday party

on Friday after winding up last on the grid.
The ex-world champion was so disgusted at his BAR-Supertec race machine
breaking down he stormed off back to his hotel, missing his own 28th
birthday party thrown by the team, which was attended by 100 guests and
team personnel.

The Canadian, who won the world title two years ago, was so angry he
left the track with half an hour of practice still to go after his
car was
sidelined for the afternoon one-hour free practice session by a leaking
fuel cell.

"Perhaps it is better Jacques works out his frustration alone in his hotel
room
than vent it on the team," said team boss Craig Pollock.

Super-rich newboys BAR marched into Formula One saying their ambition was
to win their first race from pole in Melbourne.

But they failed to get in the top 10 on the grid and neither car finished
although
Ricardo Zonta was on the fringes of the top six when his gearbox went. And
now their lead driver has briefly walked out in disgust.

"It is rather disappointing to have missed a whole session because we
thought we'd made good progress on the reliability front. I hope Saturday in
a lot better,' said Villeneuve.