Malaysian GP BAR race notes

A disappointing day for the Lucky Strike Reynard British American Racing Honda team in Malaysia. Frenchman Oliver Panis running in 9th position went off at turn 6 after his car developed an oil leak. Minutes later his team mate Jacques Villeneuve slid off into the gravel trap after torrential rain caused chaos during the third lap at the Sepang Circuit.

Jacques Villeneuve
"At the back of the track it started to rain really hard and turned into a downpour. We were on dry tyres and there were no wet lights so we couldn't see where we were going and suddenly I started to slide into the gravel trap. I am disappointed but when the weather changes like that it's a big gamble and it really didn't work out today".

Olivier Panis
"I am very disappointed for the team as they made a very good job on the car again this weekend. The car had a good baseline, which could have resulted in points for the team. I made a very good start. I was on a one-stop strategy with a high level of fuel onboard and I followed the cars in front of me that were on a two-stop strategy, very easily. I think my oil system broke and then an engine fire started and I went off into the tyres. I was very unlucky today but I am positive for the next round in Brazil".

Malcolm Oastler, Technical Director
"It looked like a great race; it's a shame we were not in it. We only did a couple of laps. Olivier had an oil leak and Jacques fell off into the gravel trap. It is a shame because everyone put in a tremendous amount of work to get us here after our troubles in Australia. Next week we will be testing in Barcelona and then our attentions will be on the next race in Brazil".

Craig Pollock, Team Principal
"An extremely disappointing race for the team after so much work has gone into getting the two cars into good positions on the starting grid. There has been great work carried out by everyone back at the factory to get the third car out here and there has been a great deal of effort by the team here at the track. We will put this one behind us and look to improve in Brazil."