Lucky Strike BAR Honda today announces the first stage results from a Young Driver Programme which the team have put into place since the end of the 2004 season. Hopefuls from various junior formulae have been put through their paces by the team in the hope of gaining the opportunity to join BAR at this week's test in Jerez.

The two-year programme is the first time that BAR has developed a structured initiative to evaluate the wealth of young talent currently vying for the attention of the top Formula One teams. Nine drivers took part in a three-day assessment at BAR's Operations Centre during mid November. The group took part in a series of activities specifically designed to measure their current physical, mental and driving abilities, as well as their capacity for future development. The results were evaluated by a team of experts to determine those drivers with the most potential to benefit and develop from the two-year programme.

The three successful drivers from the initial selection process are British F3 2004 runner-up Adam Carroll, 3rd placed British F3 2004 driver James Rossiter and the 2003 British F3 champion Alan van der Merwe (Pictured). They have spent the last two weeks working closely with Senior Race Engineer Jock Clear, to prepare them for the Jerez test where they will have the opportunity to drive this year's BAR Honda 006.

Jock, who is heading up the team working on the programme, commented: "The Young Driver initiative which we are putting into place at BAR is the result of a considerable period of careful planning and research. We have been working with the best in the business in terms of sports psychology, fitness and motivation, added to which is the input from BAR's engineering experts. The investment from the team has been substantial and so far we are pleased with the results seen and the commitment of all the drivers who have participated.

"We have a wealth of talent at BAR already, with race drivers Jenson Button and Takuma Sato, plus third driver Anthony Davidson and test driver Enrique Bernoldi. It is important to understand that this initiative is not about finding an immediate understudy to Jenson or Takuma. It is about developing the talent of the future on a structured two-year programme which will hopefully prepare them for the unique challenge of Formula One. The jump from the junior formulae is huge, however by guiding and supporting these drivers, we hope the long-term benefit will see them make the grade with BAR in the future."

The three drivers will each have two half-day sessions in the car at Jerez. They will be able to experience the workings of a full F1 test as Takuma Sato and Enrique Bernoldi will also be in attendance working on the development of the 2005 car. The team will be looking for the driver who has the most potential to develop over the next 24 months. Whilst raw speed is important, so too is the enthusiasm to listen and learn, the motivation and commitment to improve and the intelligence to make the most of the opportunity that BAR will provide. The Young Driver Programme is about nurturing talent and giving the drivers the support needed to make it to the very top of motorsport.