By Phil Huff
December 6 2002

British American Racing has said it will launch its new car, the BAR005, on 14 January 2003 in an on-site facility at the Spanish Grand Prix host circuit Barcelona. The official unveiling will be followed by a track test, giving the media a chance to see the car run. This is a popular but risky move in modern Formula One, with new-car niggles threatening an embarrassing failure in front of the press pack. This contrasts with previous high-profile launches, most notably in 1999.

The new BAR005 has been created with reliability the key design focus. "Our strategy for next season is to build a solid, reliable car capable of regular points finishes," said Technical Director Geoff Willis. "The steady progress we have seen this year gives us the momentum we need to go on and achieve that."

Being the sole Honda powered team, following the cessation of Jordan's contract, should enable Honda to devote more resources to curing the power deficit suffered in 2002. "Honda has certainly made progress particularly towards the end of the season," Willis stated, "and this gives us great encouragement for the potential of our partnership."