Austrian GP BAR race notes

A frantic start to the Austrian Grand Prix as both Olivier Panis and Jacques Villeneuve had to slice their way through the grid when Mika Hakkinen, Heinz Harald Frentzen, Jarno Trulli and Nick Heidfeld all stalled on the grid.

Olivier Panis:
"I am very happy for the team and myself with the result today. The two points are very important to us as we look to close the gap in the Championship. Jacques had a podium in the last race and I collected points today so I am happy with the progress that we are making. Next week we will be in Valencia testing and we will be looking to make some improvements as we prepare for the next round in Monaco."

Jacques Villeneuve:
"It's a good result for the team. A lot of cars did not get off the line but I had a reasonable start. The first two corners did not go well and I picked up a huge amount of push in the race and I have no idea why. I am disappointed not to have collected points today."

Malcolm Oastler:
"It was a race with a few opportunities and we managed to grab them. Jacques' opportunities were restricted by not being able to pass Eddie Irvine at the beginning but Olivier got through and he was able to capitalize on the speed that he had quite well. The team did a great job and we are happy with our performance today."

Craig Pollock:
"It was a good result for us. Olivier drove an absolutely fantastic race and he deserved the two points, if not more, by the way he was racing. The whole weekend has been exceptional and it gives us confidence going into the next race."