Willis: New BAR a 'Big Step Forward'

BAR's technical director Geoffrey Willis says the British squad have made a big step forward with their new Honda-powered 006 car.

"I am very confident that we have made another big step forward with the 006," said Willis. "It has been a big challenge, particularly with the tough new engine regulations, but has been ten months in design and represents another milestone in our long-term strategy.

"Our main objective in 2003 was to establish a credible engineering base, and 2004 provides us with the opportunity to use that credibility and be innovative in design. We now have the extra resource of Honda engineers recruited into the BAR design team, and we are beginning to see the benefits of an integrated, stable engineering base.

"In addition, testing with Michelin has given us the confidence that we have made good progress this winter. By the time the first race comes around, we will have completed almost three times as much testing as in the same period last year, and that extra effort is already visible in our greatly improved reliability.

"It is always difficult to predict performance against other teams before the first race, but we are certainly looking forward to getting the BAR Honda 006 on track."

The new chassis unveiled today in Barcelona is stiffer and has a lower centre of gravity. BAR said the biggest single development is the new gearbox, which features a full carbon-composite maincase, together with narrow, lightweight gear ratios.

The new engine and chassis allowed for a slightly shorter wheelbase, and the aerodynamic package has been optimised. BAR said they have used the results of track testing last year to identify a new strategy for aerodynamic development.

Although similar in concept to the 2003 engine, Honda has produced a completely revised design, with much smaller dimensions, reduced weight and a lower centre of gravity.

BAR will use Michelin tyres in 2004, having switched from Bridgestone at the end of last year.