BAR technical director Adrian Reynard replied yesterday to Jacques Villeneuve's harsh criticism. Speaking at the FIA's Friday press conference, Reynard said he had in fact been to three races and five test sessions this season, as opposed to just one race, as Villeneuve claimed.

"I was surprised at being slagged off by him like that, we are pretty close," said Reynard. "It's difficult because there are a lot of people competing for my time. When I went into this with BAR they did understand that I had other commitments and other companies that I had responsibilities to. I go to Indycar races etc. Of the people competing for my time I guess there's my wife and my five kids and other companies including BAR and Jacques Villenueve.

"And I guess I prioritise them in that order and he didn't like the priorities. But he likes a lot of attention and we've made up our differences and we haven't got a problem any more. It's unfortunate that the remarks he made do not reflect well on me, nor on the team."

Reynard also reflected on BAR's lack of performance this year, saying that a win this season would be "extremely lucky."

"We've failed, and learned and made mistakes," he said. "If you'd asked me before the season started if I thought we would end mid-season with no points, then I'd have said no." Nonetheless, Reynard said he was optimistic about the team's future. "We've got a highly talented bunch of individuals. What we need is to form them into a highly talented team," he said.