All new R4 - picture Jaguar Racing / Mark Thompson-Getty Image

Far from the glamour of its previous launches, Jaguar Racing presented its all new Formula One car at a low key virtual launch, online with Yahoo UK, January 21st.

Described by team officials as less adventurous, the 2003 contender is the result of a back to basic approach with a no frills, no risk conventional design unlike the 2002 car which had to be extensively redesigned to correct serious flaws. The designers, lead by managing director Dave Pitchforth, head of aerodynamics Ben Agathangelou, Head of Vehicle Design Rob Taylor and Head of Vehicle Performance Mark Gillan hope the R4 gives the team a solid platform to work on through 2003. Agathangelou, who joined Jaguar last year after three years with Benetton/Renault defended the basic design approach "It needs to be a solid and sensible base that we can develop throughout 2003 and into 2004 and beyond – because we can't keep junking everything at the end of every year and starting from scratch again".

The chassis is said to be more rigid than it's predecessor and will also feature an all new, stiffer, suspension. The program did suffer a minor setback when the chassis failed FIA impact testing with a superficial crack.

An important part of the package is an all new Ford Cosworth V10 featuring a 90 degree vee angle (vs. 72 in previous year) which will lower the center of gravity and improve aerodynamics by reducing the height and volume of body work. Ford Cosworth will also supply engines to both Minardi and Jordan, although they will still be running the 2002 spec. engine.

The R4 underwent a brief shakedown on January 17th with straight line testing in the hands of Mark Webber at the Ford proving grounds in Lommel, Belgium. Immediately after the virtual launch, the car took part in testing at the Barcelonna circuit placing 4th in the morning session behind world champions Ferrari. Jaguar Racing brazilian rookie Antonio Pizzonia was 5th driving the R3, over a second behind Webber. In afternoon session, Webber moved to a promising 3rd place, only a second behind world champion Michael Schumacher and ahead of the two BAR-Hondas.

2003 will be a critical year for Jaguar's future in Formula One and the team was extensively restructured during the winter break with the departure of team boss Nikki Lauda. The driver line up is different as well with Australian Mark Webber, impressive with Minardi last season, and brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, a rookie with solid testing experience with BMW Williams. Premier Performance Division CEO Tony Purnell hinted personality changes were needed in the driver line up and opted for "drivers who are very much plugged into our new way of doing things from the start".

After 3 disappointing seasons and mutiple personal changes and cut backs, Jaguar Racing is under pressure from Ford to perform and move up from the back of the grid were it lingered for the first half of the 2002 season.