Villeneuve: BAR 005 'looks like proper F1 car'

Speaking at the launch of the BAR 005 in Barcelona today, 1997 champion Villeneuve made positive noises about the Geoff Willis-designed machine.

"At least this one looks like a proper F1 car, so that's good," he said. "I think we should be able to fight against everyone, except Ferrari, if the numbers Geoff has shown us are true. It's my fifth year with the team and I haven't had a good one yet, so it's a very important season. The first week of testing doesn't tell you anything, it's the second week when you start to get an idea of the car."

His new team-mate for 2003, Jenson Button, was also upbeat about the new car.

"I've been to the factory a few times and certainly everyone has been working very hard," said Button. "We won't really know how good the car is until after a few weeks of testing, but certainly it looks good, both here in the flesh and on paper. I'm expecting a difficult year but this is only the start of a long term relationship."