BAR to introduce car during next season

British American Racing will follow the example of McLaren and Ferrari next year by introducing their 2004 car midway through the season.

Technical director Geoff Willis revealed the team will contest the first four races of next season with a modified version of their 2003 machine, which he believes will give Jenson Button the best chance to make an impression.

Button is likely to be number one driver with BAR next season, with current team-mate Jacques Villeneuve’s future still uncertain.

Both McLaren and Ferrari used modified versions of their 2002 car at the start of this season to great effect, winning six of the eight races so far between them.

Willis said: “We are going to be testing what I describe as a hybrid car at the end of this year.

“That will have this year’s chassis with next year’s engine, gearbox and rear suspension.

“In order to give us most time to make the next big step forward that we want for the 2004 race car – and also start the year off very reliably – we want to run this hybrid car in the opening long-haul grands prix of 2004.

“Then, after the fly-away races, we will introduce the complete new car.”