Pollock Praises Panis

BAR's Managing Director Craig Pollock believes his teams new recruit, Frenchman Olivier Panis, is capable of matching the performance of McLaren drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

Panis, who signed a one-year contract with the BAR team for 2001 to replace Brazilian Ricardo Zonta as Jacques Villeneuve's teammate, brought his career back to life this season after his successful work as McLaren’s test driver.

"I think the fact that he has shone so well during a testing programme at McLaren means that Panis is capable of doing what Coulthard and Hakkinen do in a car," said Pollock to Autosport.

"I'm sure that he is able to come across (from McLaren) not only with his driving talent, but also with the ability to tell us the differences between a McLaren and a British American Racing car. I think it's a very, very positive thing. I shouldn't be saying it, but it is a fact."

Pollock also added that he thought Panis and Villeneuve would make a good combination, as the Frenchman will push the 1997 World Champion very hard.

"We've taken an older driver who speaks the same language, and who can turn round to Jacques and tell him to piss off. The more that Olivier can slap Jacques in the face, the more Jacques is going to step up."

34-year old Panis will test with BAR for the first time next month, when all teams will begin their preparation for the 2001 season.