BAR tests 'half new' car

(30-Sep-98) - British American Racing, the team Jacques Villeneuve will
drive for in 1999, has tested the first car bearing its own name.

After a brief shakedown at Santa Pod, Jean-Christophe Boullion tested the
car at Barcelona yesterday, and put in a fastest time approximately three
seconds off Michael Schumacher's pace. The car consists of a modified 1998
Tyrrell chassis mated to a Mechachrome powerplant, with a custom built BAR
gearbox and new electronics.

Although the car ran in Tyrrell livery - BAR is being careful not to reveal
its 1999 colour scheme - it represents an important step for the new team.
The car seemed to run without any major problems, and this is significant,
considering how much about the car is new despite its appearance.

Team boss Craig Pollock claimed to be 'delighted' with the car's first run.
"The team has had a very smooth first day, concentrating its efforts
testing new systems on the existing car," he stated.

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