Formula 1
Alesi announces retirement
In a moment of candour, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo held by Bridgestone, Jean Alesi announced his retirement from racing in F1. His words came as a shock to many, but if analysed carefully, simply confirm what he has said on previous ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
In a moment of candour, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo held by Bridgestone, Jean Alesi announced his retirement from racing in F1. His words came as a shock to many, but if analysed carefully, simply confirm what he has said on previous occasions - that if he is not racing for Jordan in 2002 then he doesn't want to race for another team. "I won't race next year," Alesi stated, "but it is not completely clear what I will do. But for sure I won't drive in F1."
Following the announcement earlier in the day that Sato has been signed as racing driver for Jordan in 2002 to partner Fisichella, Alesi's position as a racer with the Silverstone based team became clear. There are moves, however, between Alesi and Jordan, to maintain a relationship for the future. "It is our wish," said Eddie Jordan, "to continue working with Jean. He has so much experience and knowledge still to give Formula One."
Jordan and Alesi met in person today for the first time since the decision was taken to sign Sato. "Jean has been fantastic about everything," said Jordan. "He understands the reasons for our decision. For me personally, it was a very tough decision to make because Jean is such a dear friend. There is not a bad bone in his body. But we have had to re-structure for the future and Jean understands that."
Alesi made his comments whilst on stage with team-mate Jarno Trulli, Eddie Jordan and Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Jean Todt, in front of several hundred media attending the Bridgestone press conference. After he spoke, Eddie Jordan asked the assembled press and VIP's to give Alesi a special round of applause for his contribution to Formula One. Alesi is one of only five drivers to have completed 200 Grands Prix. This weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, now it seems, Jean's last, will be his 201st race.
-Jordan-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Japanese GP Williams preview
Next article Japanese GP Saturday practice
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Rubens Barrichello
Which modern Formula 1 driver raced for the most teams?
Formula 1
Formula 1
Which modern Formula 1 driver raced for the most teams?
How ex-F1 racer Rubens Barrichello is still winning races at 52
Formula 1
Formula 1
Emilia Romagna GP
How ex-F1 racer Rubens Barrichello is still winning races at 52
Why illustrious racing dads aren't always an advantage for F1 hopefuls
FIA F3
FIA F3
Why illustrious racing dads aren't always an advantage for F1 hopefuls
More from
Ferrari
Robert Kubica announces exit from AF Corse’s privateer Hypercar in WEC
WEC
WEC
Monza
13 h
Robert Kubica announces exit from AF Corse’s privateer Hypercar in WEC
Charles Leclerc penalised for Liam Lawson clash; Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman also punished after F1 Brazilian GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
13 h
Charles Leclerc penalised for Liam Lawson clash; Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman also punished after F1 Brazilian GP
Latest news
How Max Verstappen beat Red Bull's own simulation tools with P2 in Brazil
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
6 min
How Max Verstappen beat Red Bull's own simulation tools with P2 in Brazil
Who slept best last night: Toto Wolff
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
27 min
Who slept best last night: Toto Wolff
Winners and losers from MotoGP’s contentious Qatar Grand Prix
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
50 min
Winners and losers from MotoGP’s contentious Qatar Grand Prix
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe