Competition This Week.(Brief Article)

Jag launches 2002 challenger

* Jaguar Racing launched its 2002 Formula One challenger, the R3, at its Milton Keynes, U.K., headquarters.

The high nose section distinguishes the car from its predecessor, but chief designer John Russell and chief aerodynamicist Mark Handford outlined significant internal design changes as well. ``With a brief to produce something more ambitious for 2002, we focused chiefly on weight reduction, particularly in the area of the gearbox, and improved aerodynamics,'' said Russell. ``The R2 was too robust in some areas, but we were able to build on its proven qualities insofar as suspension, engine and transmission.''

Much is expected of the latest version of the Cosworth CR3 engine, which has a revised cylinder block and head. It remains a 75-degree V10. ``With the CR3, we aimed to improve not only ultimate power but also the powerband,'' said Cosworth managing director Nick Hayes. ``It is an evolution of the CR2, but we have managed to incorporate new features and significantly reduce its center of gravity without having to resort to a wider V angle. We will introduce further modifications during the season.''

Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa were scheduled to begin testing the R3 at Barcelona Jan. 8.

Will Jacques stay?

* Still smarting from Craig Pollock's removal as principal of British American Racing (AW, Jan. 7), Jacques Villeneuve has implied he could yet quit the team if he is dissatisfied with the BAR 004.