Australian GP Arrows race notes

OrangeArrows driver, Jos Verstappen, finished the 2001 Australian Grand Prix in ninth position. Jos, who celebrates his 29th birthday today drove a solid race to give the team its first finish of the year. In a race that is a real test of a car’s reliability, the team was pleased to have completed the full distance. Team-mate Enrique Bernoldi, on his Grand Prix debut, retired from the race after making a mistake on lap three.

Every member of the OrangeArrows team would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of the track marshal who died today.

Jos Verstappen:
“I had a really good start, passed about four cars there and, by the time the Safety Car came out I was up to seventh. Settling into the race, I had a lot of understeer so wasn’t able to push as hard as I would have liked, but most important for the team is that we finished the first race. We know what we have to do and hopefully we can get this done in a short time.”

Enrique Bernoldi:
“I didn’t get the best start and lost two places in the confusion at the second chicane. The car felt good during the first couple of laps but, whilst chasing Raikkonen, I got a wheel on the grass and lost the car, race over. It was a mistake. Not the result I wanted from my first Grand Prix of course but I have definitely learnt a lot today and will try all over again in Malaysia.”

Mike Coughlan, Technical Director, OrangeArrows
“Definitely a step in the right direction. We’re pleased we have done our first race distance with the A22 at our first attempt and also that Asiatech have got on top of reliability. The performance is a little disappointing but with more test time we can only improve.”

Didier Debae, Asiatech
“It has been a very positive weekend for Asiatech. The reliability shown throughout practice was rewarded by a strong drive from Jos Verstappen. It was a just reward for all the hard work put in by the team in Velizy and augers well for the future.”