Webber doubts BAR's test pace

**VTEC16** · 10-02-2004 11:54 AM

Webber doubts BAR's test pace
And praises Renault [09/02/04 - 17:04]

Mark Webber

ark Webber has cast doubt on BAR's stonking pace in pre-season testing.

Honda-powered stars Takuma Sato and Jenson Button devastated the old lap record in Barcelona last week but is their speed genuine, wonders the Australian ... ?

'If we're talking about podiums,' the Jaguar driver told local journalists during a teleconference, 'then BAR are probably more likely than Toyota.

'But I assure you BAR aren't where they are testing now, that's for sure.'

27-year-old Webber reinstated Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Renault as the 'top four' teams likely to share podiums, wins and the world championships in 2004.

'And Renault will be a lot closer than people think,' he hinted.

AUSSIE TO SLIP-ON BLUE OVERALLS?

Webber might even swap green overalls for a set of blue and yellow ones in the next few Formula One seasons, he let slip to the congregated reporters.

'First I have to perform, otherwise no-one will want me,' he laughed. 'Renault helped me get here, so we'll make the decision together. There are options.'

Sources confirmed that Renault has an option on the Aussie for 2007 and 2008.

Source GMM / CAPSIS International

What a TOOL! ....BAR have already admitted that their fast runs coincided with low fuel levels...

He is just jealous because BAR will be knocking his beloved renault off the number 4 spot!

...never been more ashamed to be an aussie (ok...maybe a LITTLE exageration)

...lets see how webber and his cat do this year...

**Rowie** · 10-02-2004 04:38 PM

dont believe everything you read. reporters are known to take things out of context and only quote what they think will be a good story, and leave out the bits in the middle.

**McChook** · 10-02-2004 04:47 PM

BAR will be nowhere.. run by a bad team, powered by a better engine, and the chassis will be their best... but it won't be a top 4 car this year.

Honda needs to buy out BAR, and call it Honda Racing... with their own team and management, only THEN wil honda own F1 again

**ginganggooly** · 10-02-2004 04:48 PM

...never been more ashamed to be an aussie (ok...maybe a LITTLE exageration)

a certain petulant little tennis player springs to mind.

**VTEC16** · 10-02-2004 04:57 PM

rowie- yeah....your probs right

mcchok-im putting my money down on BAR taking the 4th spot.

ginga- soo true!

**bizee_1** · 15-02-2004 05:06 AM

i dunno McChook, when Honda owned F1, they were engine manufacturer's for teams McLaren & Williams.

Those two teams go a long way.
But, I'd love for it to be the standalone "Honda", for team/engine.

As for Webber, i think he wasn't out of line. Spices up the season, especially the first race.

**LUD02C** · 29-02-2004 12:29 PM

I respect Webber saying what he feels (even if the media made some of it up)
I really do hope Honda does buy BAR out, but then again it would take them maybe 3-4 years to be any good..
Just look at Toyota!
BAR biggest competition this year is Jaguar!
Jenson Vs Webber

**crx2gen** · 29-02-2004 10:24 PM

Yeah, big deal. I'm a Jaguar fan solely because Webber is driving for them and he's definitely going to be a big star for the future because in the past two seasons he has remained as consistent as possible and picked up points here and there, despite not being in a top car. Should be an interesting season with the top 4 and then teams like BAR and Jaguar jockeying for 5th.