Olivier Panis Q&A
Olivier Panis took a gamble when he chose to take a step back and become McLaren test driver for a year, but the move has paid off - just as it did for Mika Hakkinen back in 1993. While Olivier hasn't been able to step straight into the McLaren race team, he has found a very respectable seat at British American Racing. Plenty of other offers were floating around, and it was obvious that everyone was keen to learn a little bit more about what makes the McLaren machine so strong. The obvious downside at BAR is that the team is so clearly built around Jacques Villeneuve, as Ricardo Zonta has found out to his cost. It's so different from his time at Ligier/Prost, when for the most part Olivier was the clear team leader. Or indeed his year at McLaren, when everybody from Ron Dennis downwards treated Olivier like an honoured guest, and no opportunity to sing his praises was missed. Will Panis be able to thrive in such circumstances? Adam Cooper spoke to the Frenchman
"I'm very happy with this decision. I know the McLaren, and I know Ferrari is a very strong team at the moment, but BAR has made a big improvement this year and I hope there's a big one next year. So I'm very pleased to join BAR, Honda, Craig Pollock and Jacques for next year."
"I don't know the team, I don't know the car, so it's too early to speak about this. But I'm very confident for next year. If we make a good job I'm sure the results will come very quickly."
"The thing that's important about BAR is that they have made a big improvement this year, that's the first thing. Honda is a very big constructor, and the overall package is maybe the best package after McLaren and Ferrari. I have a very good relationship with Craig Pollock. Also the very important thing is that Jacques stays for a long time."
"I think so."
"I'm very confident because the BAR team needs two good drivers, and two drivers with a lot of experience. For me Ricardo is still quick, but maybe he needs some more experience. Maybe next year BAR will also be more experienced and be able to find the same car for both drivers."
"Sure, it's very important to go quick straight away, very important to make the best job possible very early, and then to continue to improve the car. I'm very excited with my new challenge."
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