Monday January 3rd, 2000

By Alan Baldwin

The latest Formula One cars and drivers will be appearing in unfamiliar surroundings in the next few weeks as teams gear up for the new season with attention-seeking launches around Europe.

An art museum in Barcelona, a conference centre near London's Houses of Parliament and the calm of Lord's cricket ground figure among the more unusual backdrops.

With the start to the 2000 season a little more than two months away in Australia on March 12, most teams are ready to present their new cars, drivers and liveries.

Champion constructors Ferrari, with German Michael Schumacher joined by Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, have yet to name a date but their new car is sure to be unveiled at their Maranello headquarters at the end of the month.

"Any time between January 25 and 30 is possible," said a Ferrari spokesman last week.

Newcomers Jaguar, previously the Stewart team, have reserved January 25 for the launch of their R1 car at Lord's, a venue soaked in British sporting history and tradition.

Briton Eddie Irvine, championship runner-up last season at Ferrari before joining Jaguar, may feel at home there despite his otherwise irreverent nature.

The Northern Irishman described life with Schumacher at the Italian team as "like being hit over the head with a cricket bat four days in a row."

Jaguar Go Green

The car is expected to be painted in traditional British racing green, as displayed at last year's Frankfurt motor show, but it could appear more yellowy to the armchair viewer because television distorts some colours.

But even the weight of the paint could be a worry in a sport where little is ever straightforward.

"It might sound ridiculous but paint can really make a difference to the car's chances of winning races next season," newspapers have quoted a team source as saying.

"Green is still the favoured colour but it may have to be another shade. We are playing with fractions here."

British American Racing, whose debut season in 1999 started confidently with a flamboyant light and sound show and ended with no points, are also appearing in London.

The launch of the new BAR, first fruit of a partnership with carmakers Honda, will be on January 24 at a conference centre opposite the ancient Westminster Abbey and a short stroll from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

The car has already been tested, the first new model in action, but the livery remains secret.

Jordan complete the London launches on January 31 with the unveiling of their Mugen-Honda powered EJ10 -- so named because Eddie Jordan is celebrating his 10th season as a team owner.

Sauber Choose Rock Venue

Italian Jarno Trulli is their new driver, replacing the retired Damon Hill alongside German Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Before that, Benetton will be at the Catalan National Art Museum in Barcelona on January 17.

Sauber -- with Finland's Mika Salo now on board -- are putting their new C19 on stage at the Zurich Hallenstadion, a popular venue for rock concerts, on February 2.

German carmakers BMW, returning to Formula One as engine providers to Williams, take the limelight first with their team launch at their Munich headquarters on January 10.

German Ralf Schumacher and Italian Alex Zanardi, whose future appears more secure after reports that he would lose his job following a dismal season, should be present.

Prost have yet to finalise their launch date although Frenchman Jean Alesi and German Nick Heidfeld should be testing the new car later this month.

McLaren, usually first on the grid, are likely to be among the tail-enders in showing off their new cars and are not expected to launch before February.

Arrows have yet to name their second driver alongside Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa while securing an engine deal has been the Minardi team's priority since November.