BAR 003 ‘launch’: Jacques a little happier now

Speaking at the London launch of the team's 2001 Formula 1 World Championship programme, the 1997 title-winner said: "At the first test, we weren't that quick. But now we've found something on the car to help us go in the right direction. That's essential, because we have to make a step up next year."

With new aerodynamic regulations raising front wing height and limiting the number of rear wing elements to just three, all 2001-spec cars are expected to be initially slower than their 2000 counterparts. But in a first head-to-head test with Honda's other works-supplied team Jordan yesterday in Barcelona, Olivier Panis in the BAR003 edged Jarno Trulli's EJ11 by 0.34s.

"I'm pleased with what I've found out about the BAR-Honda so far," said Panis. "Now it's very important to keep working in the right direction."

Villeneuve believes that Honda supplying its V10s to Jordan as well as BAR will benefit the Brackley-based squad.

"Now that Honda is working for two teams, it will help us get more information back," he said. "But I'm not worried at all about Jordan."

The French-Canadian also praised newcomer Panis's contribution to the team so far and admitted that the former McLaren test driver would push him hard during the coming season.

"I think it's great that Olivier will push me," he said. "He's a great racer, as shown by his win in the Monaco Grand Prix [with the Ligier team in 1996]. All the testing he did last year will definitely help - he's got a lot of experience, which can only be a good thing."

After two lean seasons with BAR so far, and after also turning down the chance to move to Benetton-Renault for 2001, Villeneuve was keen to point out that he remained as motivated as ever.

"The only reason I'm still racing," he told the assembled hacks, "is because I still enjoy being out there pushing it."