JANUARY 15, 2003

Jaguar fails crash test

There are reports that the new Jaguar R4 has failed one of the side-impact crash tests dictated by the FIA. This is not a major setback for the team but could mean further delays before the new car is ready to run. A number of teams are not building new chassis this year because of the costs involved but Jaguar's lack of performance last year meant that a new monocoque was essential.

Teams do fail the crash tests from time to time as they are always pushing to the limit of what is allowed and all that is now likely to happen is that the area in question will be strengthened and the test tried again. The team is excited about the prospects for the coming season with the new Cosworth V10 engine rumored to be very powerful.