JANUARY 21, 2001

BAR to launch replica after Villeneuve accident

BRITISH AMERICAN RACING will not launch their 2001 challenger on Friday as planned -- because Jacques Villeneuve pranged the only new car the team have.

Canadian Villeneuve was unhurt when he hit a tire barrier at Jerez on Wednesday after suspension failure on the BAR003, but the Brackley-based team now have no new car to launch at Planit Arches, London, on Friday.

The event will go ahead as planned but BAR will now be forced to display a replica at the launch. Managing director Craig Pollock is sure it will be a success with or without the car.

"This is a disruption to our testing program and a setback to next weeks official launch," said Pollock. "However, it's essential that the new car is 100 per cent right for the first race of the season in Melbourne.

"We know our friends in the media will understand our rationale. With or without the new car, next weeks event promises to be a very special occasion. The drivers and the team are looking forward it."