BAR Estoril test notes 2002-05-02

POSITIVE 3-DAY TEST IN ESTORIL

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda concluded a positive 3-day test in Estoril today in preparation for next Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix. This was the team's first proper test at the Portuguese circuit and Jacques Villeneuve, Olivier Panis and test driver Anthony Davidson each completed two days of running.

The main focus was general set-up work in readiness for the demands of the A1-Ring, coupled with further engine development and tyre work. Olivier and Anthony kicked off the programme on Tuesday, Anthony spending the morning familiarising himself with a totally new circuit. They completed 68 and 66 laps respectively, Olivier setting the best time of the day with a new unofficial lap record of 1:17.567.

On Wednesday, Olivier completed 54 laps and topped his own unofficial lap record time of 1.17.090. Jacques joined him on track but completed only the morning session after experiencing an electrical problem.

Anthony joined Jacques today for a final day's running. Heavy rainfall gave the team and Bridgestone the opportunity to run some wet weather tyre testing to prepare for any eventuality in the unpredictable Styrian Alps. The changeable conditions were reflected in the times, Jacques posting a best lap of 1:20.247 for the team and completing 90 laps to Anthony's 53.

Olivier Panis

"I've had a positive test here in Estoril and we have made set-up and electronic control improvements. We will have a little more power from the engine in Austria which is important because the A1-Ring is a power circuit. I think we have good reason to be optimistic if we continue to make progress throughout the weekend there."

Jacques Villeneuve

"I lost a lot of track time on Wednesday with an electrical problem but today was a better day. Most of my running was in the wet but I put in a lot of laps and we've made some improvements for Austria."

Looking ahead to the Austrian Grand Prix, the team expect to be slightly better off than in Spain but admit there is still much work to be done. Reliability is improving with every race so the main priority will again be to get both drivers to the chequered flag, taking advantage of every possible opportunity along the way.

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