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With the winter testing ban now over, the British American Racing
team was been back in action this week at the Circuit de Catalunya
for the first test of the new season.
With the majority of teams in attendance, it was a busy start to
2002 at the Barcelona circuit, but, for BAR and Honda, it also
marked the first run of its definitive 2002 car - the 004.
Olivier Panis joined the team for the duration of this comprehensive
five-day test, with team-mate Jacques Villeneuve at the circuit for
a day's testing on Wednesday. Both drivers were optimistic following
their first taste of the new car, and despite some very changeable
weather in Barcelona, it proved to be a productive start to the
year.
"The winter break was good," Panis commented, "I was
at home with my family, spending time with my children and with
friends, so it was nice. I'm really happy to be back in the car
again, though, and I'm looking forward to the start of the
season."
Jacques Villeneuve was equally happy to have joined the team after
the break, during which he spent time in Copenhagen with fiancée
Ellie Green.
"It's been good to get away on holiday and then to come here to
get going with the driving again", the Canadian admitted,
"I haven't driven for nearly three months, so it's nice to be
back. The car feels good so I'm feeling optimistic."
The first driver to take to the track after the winter testing ban,
Anthony Davidson drove for four of the five days - his longest test
for the team so far.
"It's been a really good first week back and I'm pleased with
the way everything has gone," he said, "The first day back
driving, on Monday, felt really strange, but great. It was my first
time back in a car since my last Formula Three race in Macau, and
the first time I've driven a Formula One car since last year in
Mugello, so it's a good feeling to be here.
"My winter break was mostly spent training for this - it was my
main priority and it's definitely made a big difference. I think
everyone will leave this test positive - myself included."
Summing up at the end of the week, test team manager Andrew Alsworth
reported satisfaction in the camp.
"It's been a good test - quite a tough five days, but that's
normal for the first test of the season," he said.
"Everyone has worked really hard, both here and back at the
factory, and now we're looking forward to going to Valencia next
week to continue with the testing programme. It was nice to have a
break over the winter, but we're glad to be back."
BAR continues its pre-season programme at another group test in
Valencia this coming week.
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