JANUARY 20, 2001
BAR still set for Barcelona test despite Villeneuve crash
BRITISH AMERICAN RACING confirmed on Friday that they will still test in Barcelona next week, despite Jacques Villeneuve's crash at Jerez this week.
Villeneuve, who was driving the BAR 003 car, hit a tire barrier but was unhurt. His crash was blamed on rear suspension failure and reports suggested the Brackley-based team would cancel the Barcelona test.
A team spokesperson said that BAR's official test driver Darren Manning will test from January 25-27 as drivers Villeneuve and Olivier Panis attend the team's launch in London on January 26.
"BAR have not postponed their schedule and the testing will go ahead next week," a spokesperson said. "Villeneuve and Panis will not be testing next week though due to our launch on the 26th. Darren Manning will test in his place."