Honda Confident of Fixing BAR Engine Problems

Honda are confident they can fix the Formula One engine problems that have disrupted BAR's testing this month.

"We have identified the problems and are looking forward to making up the time lost in Barcelona next week," engineering director Shuhei Nakamoto said in a BAR team statement after testing in Jerez.

BAR's first test of the New Year at the southern Spanish circuit was interrupted on day one last Friday when British reserve driver Anthony Davidson lost most of his scheduled running time due to engine problems.

Davidson suffered a similar problem on Saturday, but went on to complete 94 laps, while the engine in Takuma Sato's car played up on Sunday and brought the test to an early halt.

BAR had numerous engine failures during races last year, with Briton Jenson Button agonisingly sidelined at the US Grand Prix after leading and while heading for the first podium finish of his career.

Button has talked of BAR, fifth overall last year, as potential race winners in 2004.

Engine rules have changed this season, putting a greater premium on reliability with teams allowed just one car per weekend rather than replacing them when necessary under previous regulations.

"We have had several new specification engine failures, for which Honda has now identified the cause," said technical director Geoffrey Willis. "Otherwise the cars have continued to run faultlessly."

BAR have been testing with a 'concept car' before launching their 2004 challenger in Barcelona on February 1.

The new Formula One season starts in Australia on March 7.