BAR announces launch date

BAR will launch its 2004 challenger, the 006, on the 1st of February at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. This season Takuma Sato will partner Jenson Button in place of Jacques Villeneuve and it appears that Anthony Davidson will continue as one of the team's test drivers.

BAR has already tested the '04 'Concept Car' on track before the Christmas break, along with the 2004 Honda engine. The car was an interim chassis, with a distinctive black and silver livery, introduced to allow testing of the new engine, gearbox and other components prior to the BAR Honda 006 being ready.

Technical director Geoff Willis said in early December that a decision had not been taken whether to race the interim car or the new car at Melbourne. The tests after the launch of the 006 will be the decider on the new car's reliability. Previously supplied by Bridgestone, BAR will run on Michelin tyres in 2004.

Prior to the launch, Jenson Button will open the Autosport International Show at the NECC in Birmingham, UK, on Saturday January 10th. "2004 is going to be very interesting and the show is going to be a good way to get it started," he commented.

Roll on 2005 when presumably the new chassis will be the 007...