BAR-Honda team delighted with first podium finish.

British American Racing-Honda scored their first podium finish this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix when Jacques Villeneuve came home third.

The Canadian said: "It is great. Everybody in the team has worked extremely hard over the last three years and this result was much needed for all of us. It was particularly satisfying to be able to provide Honda with their first podium since returning to Formula One. It was a hard race and we still have a lot of work to do but this result is a positive step forward."

Olivier Panis who finished seventh just outside the points added: "First of all I am extremely happy for Jacques and the team on achieving their first podium. It has been without doubt long overdue. All of the team has put in
a tremendous amount of work so it is a great result. As far as my race is concerned, I pushed as much as I could but I had a problem with the car during my pit stop, which hindered my chances of finishing in the points. This is a very positive result for the team and no doubt gives us all confidence going forward."

Malcolm Oastler, BAR's Technical Director continued: "Obviously I am delighted for the team and for Jacques. This result gives us the confidence in ourselves and in each other that we are on the right track. To give Honda the first podium of their third generation in Formula One is an added bonus. I am looking forward to the day when we can be disappointed about coming third."

Craig Pollock, Team Principal and Managing Director concluded: "I am absolutely delighted. I am very very happy for everyone at British American Racing. It has been sitting there to take and luck can go two ways and it went our way today. I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating the whole team, all of our sponsors and Honda for all of their commitment and effort. Now I am going to congratulate Jacques. It is a brilliant end to the weekend."