New BAR No Revolution, Says Oastler

The new Honda-powered BAR 004 is an evolution of the first three cars created by the Brackley-based team since they made their Formula One debut in 1999, according to technical director Malcolm Oastler.

The British American Racing team unveiled on Tuesday their fourth Grand Prix car, with which they hope to improve their performance after a difficult 2001 season, where they finished in sixth place in the Constructors' Championship behind Honda-powered rivals Jordan.

Oastler, who headed the team of engineers who designed the new 004, says the new chassis is not revolutionary, but rather a step forward from its predecessors.

"The BAR 004 is a careful evolution of our first three cars, incorporating many of the lessons we have taken away from fifty races in Formula One," said Oastler today during the launch of the new car. "There hasn't been a drastic technical revolution.

"Instead we have worked hard to make sure that the problems we had in 2001 have been eradicated and that the BAR 004 will be another step forward from its predecessors. We think we have produced a very sound package and are happy with the results so far."

Just a few hours after being unveiled, the new 004 ran in front of the media for the first time, as Olivier Panis completed a demonstration run at the team's headquarters in Brackley.

Frenchman Panis, who will drive alongside Canadian Jacques Villeneuve next season, successfully shook down the new machine outside the factory.