BAR boys glad to be back in harness.

With the winter testing ban now over, the British American Racing team was been back in action this week at the Circuit de Catalunya for the first test of the new season.

With the majority of teams in attendance, it was a busy start to 2002 at the Barcelona circuit, but, for BAR and Honda, it also marked the first run of its definitive 2002 car - the 004.

Olivier Panis joined the team for the duration of this comprehensive five-day test, with team-mate Jacques Villeneuve at the circuit for a day's testing on Wednesday. Both drivers were optimistic following their first taste of the new car, and despite some very changeable weather in Barcelona, it proved to be a productive start to the year.

"The winter break was good," Panis commented, "I was at home with my family, spending time with my children and with friends, so it was nice. I'm really happy to be back in the car again, though, and I'm looking forward to the start of the season."

Jacques Villeneuve was equally happy to have joined the team after the break, during which he spent time in Copenhagen with fianc?e Ellie Green.

"It's been good to get away on holiday and then to come here to get going with the driving again", the Canadian admitted, "I haven't driven for nearly three months, so it's nice to be back. The car feels good so I'm feeling optimistic."

The first driver to take to the track after the winter testing ban, Anthony Davidson drove for four of the five days - his longest test for the team so far.

"It's been a really good first week back and I'm pleased with the way everything has gone," he said, "The first day back driving, on Monday, felt really strange, but great. It was my first time back in a car since my last Formula Three race in Macau, and the first time I've driven a Formula One car since last year in Mugello, so it's a good feeling to be here.

"My winter break was mostly spent training for this - it was my main priority and it's definitely made a big difference. I think everyone will leave this test positive - myself included."

Summing up at the end of the week, test team manager Andrew Alsworth reported satisfaction in the camp.

"It's been a good test - quite a tough five days, but that's normal for the first test of the season," he said.

"Everyone has worked really hard, both here and back
at the factory, and now we're looking forward to going to Valencia next week to continue with the testing programme. It was nice to have a break over the winter, but we're glad to be back."

BAR continues its pre-season programme at another group test in Valencia this coming week.