By Phil Huff
December 6 2002

British American Racing founding member Jacques Villeneuve sat behind the wheel of the BAR004 for the first time since Suzuka today, as BAR put three drivers through their paces. Ending up eighth fastest on the day, Villeneuve completed 74 laps for the Brackley based race team. His best effort of 1:18.905 was some 0.7 seconds quicker than long term BAR test driver Anthony Davidson, but over 3 seconds off the Michelin shod McLaren of David Coulthard.

Development at Michelin has obviously stepped up a gear, but Villeneuve ended up quickest of the Bridgestone runners. "Today was not a bad day. We were here to test some electronic software for next year and we did what we set out to do without any problems, so I am quite happy." Villeneuve also took time to complete some tyre tests for Bridgestone.

BAR also took the opportunity to test Ralph Firman as his reward for winning the Japan based Formula Nippon championship. Completing 46 laps, Firman managed a time of 1:21.056 on his first time in an F1 car since 1995. Commenting on the test, Firman said "It's so different from the last time I drove I can't compare anything. What really surprised me was the braking and I was finding it difficult to brake hard. Also, the traction control felt very strange."

There had been concerns Firman would be unable to fit in the BAR, but these proved wrong. "They managed to squeeze me in the BAR as its cockpit is quite big," he said. "I'm very happy but it's a shame I didn't get to go on new tyres. Driving F1 is what it's all about, and this is where I would like to be. But if nothing happens, I'm very happy to go back to Nippon and defend my title."

Testing will continue at Jerez on 13 December, where BAR newcomer Jenson Button will get his first test in a BAR004.

P	Driver	Team	Engine	Car	Tyre	Best Lap	Laps
1	D Coulthard	McLaren	Mercedes	MP4/17D	M	1:15.674	67
2	JP Montoya	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:17.375	86
3	A Pizzonia	Jaguar	Cosworth	R3	M	1:17.481	101
4	O Panis	Toyota	Toyota	TF102	M	1:17.609	64
5	R Schumacher	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:18.065	76
6	G Paffett	McLaren	Mercedes	MP4/17D	M	1:18.236	63
7	M Gene	Williams	BMW	FW24	M	1:18.400	54
8	J Villeneuve	BAR	Honda	BAR004	B	1:18.905	74
9	M Webber	Jaguar	Cosworth	R3	M	1:18.924	73
10	A Davidson	BAR	Honda	BAR004	B	1:19.675	5
11	F Alonso	Renault	Renault	R202	M	1:19.860	69
13	R Firman	BAR	Honda	BAR004	B	1:21.056	46
14	T Monteiro	Renault	Renault	R202	M	1:21.471	56