BAR Wrap Up 'Positive' Test at Estoril

The British American Racing team completed on Thursday a three-day testing programme at the Estoril circuit, where the Brackley-based squad carried out their preparations for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix at the A1-Ring circuit.

Frenchman Olivier Panis and British test driver Anthony Davidson were in action on the first day, concentrating on general set-up for the Austrian track. Panis completed a total of 68 laps and was the quickest of the two with a time of 1:17.567.

"I've had a positive test here in Estoril and we've made set-up and electronic control improvements," said Panis. "We will have a little more power from the engine in Austria which is important because the A1-Ring is a power circuit.

"I think we have good reason to be optimistic if we continue to make progress throughout the weekend there."

Panis went even faster on Wednesday, setting a new unofficial track record with a 1:17.090 lap. Teammate Jacques Villeneuve joined the session on Wednesday, but only drove during the morning, as his Honda-powered car was hit by electrical problems.

"I lost a lot of track time on Wednesday with an electrical problem but today was a better day," added Villeneuve on Thursday. "Most of my running was in the wet but I put in a lot of laps and we've made some improvements for Austria."

Davidson and Villeneuve worked together on the final session, which took place on a wet track that allowed the team to test some wet weather tyres. The Canadian driver was the quickest of the two with a time of 1:20.247 after 90 laps.