Problem Hits New Jaguar in Crash Test

Jaguar's new R4 Formula One car, due to run for the first time on Friday, has failed the FIA's mandatory side-impact crash test after a small part of the chassis cracked.

However team spokesman Nav Sidhu said today that the R4 had passed the key impact absorption part of the test and the team were not worried.

"It did not fail the side impact test per se," he said. "But a very small area of the chassis cracked. We believe it is due to the adhesive used to hold it in. It is certainly not a big problem.

"It will go in for another test at the end of the month and as far as we are concerned it's a formality."

The R4 is due to make its track debut in testing in Barcelona next Tuesday with a 'virtual' launch on the internet rather than any formal presentation to the media. Before that, the new car will undergo straight line testing at Ford's test track in Lommel, Belgium, on Friday.

Jaguar have an all-new lineup for the new season, with Australian Mark Webber joining from Minardi and Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia making his debut, and are hoping the R4 is a significant improvement on last year's disappointing car.

The team have yet to announce a replacement for departed team boss Niki Lauda and Sidhu said that the job specification had now changed.

"The role of sporting director is now the one that Jaguar are looking to fill rather than that of team principal," he said.

Briton Tony Purnell has been acting as team principal since Lauda was dismissed and the team are still in talks with former managing director Guenther Steiner.