SEPTEMBER 5, 2000
We'll be the third best team next year, says Panis
Olivier Panis has predicted that British American Racing will be the 'best of the rest' behind McLaren and Ferrari in the 2001 World Championship.
The Frenchman, currently the official test driver with McLaren, signed a deal to replace Brazilian Ricardo Zonta at the Brackley-based team and he is sure that he and Jacques Villeneuve can steer the team to third in the championship next year.
"The thing that's important about BAR is that they have made a big improvement this year, that is the first thing," Panis said.
"Honda is a very big constructor and the overall package is possibly the best package after McLaren and Ferrari.
"I have a good relationship with Craig Pollock and it is also a very important thing is that Jacques stays for a long time. I'm very confident about next year even though I don't know the car."