Australian GP BAR race notes

MELBOURNE, Sunday 4th March 2001 - The Lucky Strike Reynard BAR Honda team are extremely upset to hear that a Marshall was injured and has subsequently died as a result of the accident involving Jacques Villeneuve and BMW Williams driver Ralf Schumacher during the Australian Grand Prix today.

The team were also distressed to learn that 11 spectators sustained minor injuries as a result of flying debris. All of those involved received immediate attention at the circuit medical centre and were released shortly afterwards without the need for further treatment.

A full investigation by the FIA in association with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport is now underway and the team would prefer not to speculate over the cause of the accident until the results of the investigation have been released. However, at this time Team Principal and Managing Director, Craig Pollock, would like to issue the following statement:

Craig Pollock "It is with great sadness that we learned that a Marshall has died and that 11 spectators received injuries as a result of this incident. On behalf of Jacques, the British American Racing Honda team and myself I would like to express our sincere condolences to his family. Rest assured that we intend to co-operate fully with the official investigation.

At this time our thoughts and prayers are of course only with the family of the Marshall who has died."

Following an investigation by the race director in which it was concluded that Olivier Panis passed another driver under a yellow flag, a 25 second penalty has subsequently been added to his elapsed race time. As a result of this infringement Panis looses his 4th place position and is now classified 7th.

Craig Pollock, Managing Director and Team Principal
"I am extremely disappointed for the team and for Olivier. Losing 4th place in the first race of the season is a further blow for the British American Racing Honda Team. This will make us even more determined for the next race in Malaysia."

-BAR-