BAR Wrap Up Paul Ricard Test

The British American Racing team completed their preparations for the first Grand Prix of the 2002 season in Australia by wrapping up a three-day testing session at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Both Canadian Jacques Villeneuve and teammate Olivier Panis were in action at the track, with the Frenchman running the first two days and Villeneuve doing it on Wednesday. Panis was the quickest of the two, setting a fastest lap of 1:36.94, as he concentrated on an engine and suspension programme.

"I've had two good days of testing here and we've put plenty of laps on the new engine," said Panis. "We've had no real problems and our reliability has been good so we're feeling quite positive. We still have a few days before we leave for Melbourne so we have some time to look at the data and continue to improve right up until the race weekend.

"Obviously, only the qualifying will show us where we are but we've done as much work as we can to prepare for this first race."

Villeneuve, meanwhile, continued where Panis left off and completed a race distance on the final day of testing, setting a quickest time of 1:37.08. Both drivers thoroughly enjoyed testing at the revised version of the French circuit. Work is still underway in the outfield areas but the state-of-the-art track is already operational.

"I think the changes they have made to the circuit are incredible - they've done an unbelievable job," said Panis. "They've changed the layout but the old Paul Ricard is still recognisable. There are some very difficult and challenging corners so it's a great circuit for testing.

"The run-off areas are very hi-tech. There are different grades of coloured tarmac which are clever - they slow the car down at very high speed but you can still recover the car and get back on the track very easily. There aren't any gravel traps so if you do go off there is no damage to the car.

"This is great for testing because it helps you to maximise track time but, more importantly, a lot of thought has been given to the safety aspect. It's a great circuit and it would be nice to see a race here one day."