BAR Launch Their New 003 in London

British American Racing launched their 2001 car, the BAR-Honda BAR003, in London, England today.

In fact, the wraps were taken off last year's car, as lead driver Jacques Villeneuve crashed the 003 in testing last week.

At the launch, managing director of BAR, Craig Pollock stated he was hoping for big things from the new car in the 2001 season. "While last year was a big improvement on our debut season, I am still not happy finishing 5th in the Constructors' Championship.

"Our aim in 2001 has to be at least a third place finish overall and to win some races - and with the team and infrastructure we now have in place, that is achievable and that is what I want," said Pollock.

The 2001 BAR features several changes from its predecessor, including electronic power-steering, and a substantially smaller gearbox as the team has paid closer attention to detail. More noticable is the car's new livery, even though it retains a large Lucky Strike presence.

Pollock had the following to say about the new car: "Last year no single facet of our car was really good or really bad, but in order to compete with the likes of Ferrari and McLaren we must ensure that every aspect excels. In the BAR003, we feel we have a car that can fulfil such high expectations."

The team's technical director, Malcolm Oastler, is pleased with the team's effort with the new car, successfully beating targets the team had set for the new car. "We are very pleased with the 2001 car. It has met all of the objectives that we set ourselves in the design brief last year," said Oastler.

"There have been some significant rule changes for this year and we are happy with our progression and the fact that we have been able to meet all of the necessary requirements. We have made a saving of around 30 kilos on the weight of the car and have already exceeded our original aerodynamics targets. It has been a very intensive programme and the team has done a really good job. We feel we are in good shape and looking forward to the season ahead."

The BAR003 features the latest evolution of Honda's V10, the same engine that powers rival team Jordan. "We think that this sense of healthy competition will benefit Honda''s long-term objective," explained Shoichi Tanaka, President of Honda Racing Development.

For 2001, former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has been joined by former Prost driver and McLaren test driver Olivier Panis, who is pleased with the impressions he received when he drove the car before its launch in recent weeks. "I am very pleased with what I have found here. It has gone really well so far and that leaves me very confident for the season ahead," said Panis.

Panis is looking forward to racing and working with the Canadian. "I know Jacques well, we communicate together and respect each other. I am looking forward to working with him. I always want to work with quick drivers."

However, Pollock is hoping that there will be some rivalry between the two drivers. "Panis to push Villeneuve? Of course he will! I hope he really puts the wind up Jacques. It's good for the team to have such competitiveness between drivers."

Also joining the team is James Robinson as Chief Race Engineer, previously at Williams, whose vast experience will benefit the team immensely and will see him reunited with former Williams employees Jacques Villeneuve and Jock Clear.