Jaguar R3 getting better

It's been an unsettled winter for Jaguar with car problems and team problems being the latest in a long line of shake ups for the team. The most recent upset was the departure of technical director Steve Nichols -- the new R3 was found to be drastically below standard in winter testing, front wing aerodynamics one of the main points of contention, and Nichols was held responsible. After a hasty reworking of chassis components, finally the R3 seems to be making progress.

Jaguar driver Pedro de la Rosa says the new design is working and confidence is returning. "It’s getting better all the time. We are getting more laps done and we don’t have the overheating problems." He said.

On the subject of Nichols leaving the team de la Rosa doesn't feel his absence has altered anything, commenting: "It doesn’t really affect us. We had very little contact with Steve, so I have not seen any changes."

Meanwhile, rumours have recently surfaced that Eddie Irvine may be on the move to BAR. Jaguar have come under criticism for the Irishman's large pay packet and apparent lack of results to show for it -- new BAR boss David Richards is a friend of Irvine and allegedly they are in talks about 2003.