Austrian GP: Jaguar race notes

The A1-Ring again proved itself as one of the most unpredictable circuits on the F1 Calendar today, when the safety car was brought out twice during the 7th round of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. A nasty accident between Heidfeld and Sato brought the race to a temporary stop, fortunately Sato is ok.

Threats of rain did not materialise providing drivers with a dry afternoon in which to contest for points at the notoriously action packed A1-Ring Circuit. An incident free start did not last long with Pedro suffering throttle problems only moments later ending his race on the first lap. Eddie had enjoyed a trouble free race while six fellow drivers were forced to stop, until he himself suffered hydraulic problems on lap 37, forcing him to retire on lap 38.

Niki Lauda CEO and Team Principal

"Pedro suffered today because of a throttle problem, frustrating, yet we were very lucky not to have caused an incident at the start. Pedro was hard on the throttle at the time and did well to get out of the way of the drivers behind. We were going well with Eddie today but we suffered a hydraulic issue forcing him to retire on lap 38. We are of course pleased however, that no one has been seriously injured today, there were some nasty incidents, but of course not unexpected at this circuit."

Eddie Irvine

"The race was action packed as I expected. I am pleased to hear that Sato is ok, it could have been a lot worse. The various on-track activities allowed me to be in 10th position at one time, encouraging. Our race strategy was good today and even with the safety cars out it worked well. We very nearly got something out of nothing, and at one stage there was even the outside chance of aiming for a point. This chance faded when on lap 37 I suffered hydraulic problems. I was reluctantly forced to retire on lap 38. Frustrating, yes!"

Pedro de la Rosa

"I had a really good start today and was understandably surprised when I suffered a throttle problem on turn two. The drivers behind me were very lucky as the resulting situation could have been quite different. Not a lot to say other than I hope Sato is ok."

Eddie Irvine
Position: DNF
Chassis: R3-05

Pedro de la Rosa
Position: DNF
Chassis: R3-04
T-Car: R3-01

-jaguar-