Jaguar modify R3 for Malaysia

Jaguar Racing have confirmed they will be using a modified version of the new R3 for the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend. There have been concerns over the performance of the car and Team Principal Niki Lauda said modifications had been made to the aerodynamics for the race. Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur earlier today he said: "We do have some modifications done with our car, which I hope go well. We will see where we end up, but we have a lot of work to do to get R3 up to speed and more competitive."

Lauda also confirmed that the team may revert to the older R2 if the R3 does not improve in performance but it would be a last resort. "We concentrated on the R3, but if we still have problems; if it takes too long to get the R3 going quicker, there might be a possibility that we bring R2 back. The real decision will be the race here. We will have to wait and see how it happens because it's complicated to take back the R2," he explained, adding that he was 'not happy' with the starting performance of the R3. "Basically the car is very little tested, and therefore our performance wasn't good."

Jaguar were dismayed to find themselves outqualified by Minardi at the season opener in Australia two weeks ago. Eddie Irvine went on to finish the race in fourth but the team are aware that his points scoring position was due to the first corner pile-up that removed so many cars from the race. Non-executive director of Jaguar Jackie Stewart said he was optimistic for the team despite the problems: "It does take time for this (winning the championship) to happen but I'm very optimistic about it,' he commented. "It's not a five-minute job."