Austrian GP: Jordan preview

Sponsorship Account Manager Christine Gorham, from Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, is Jordan's only Austrian team member. She manages several sponsorship accounts including title sponsor Deutsche Post WorldNet, DHL and Danzas, and has been working with Jordan for three years. Prior to joining Jordan, Gorham was Press Manager at Arrows and spent a lengthy and successful stint of her career in the music business.

"I was Vice President of Communications and PR at MTV Europe," she explains, "and we decided to sponsor the Simtek Formula One team, which is how I became involved in F1. Once I was drawn in, I was hooked, and I haven't looked back since."

Gorham is looking forward to the trip to Austria: "I return home whenever possible to catch up with my friends and go skiiing, but the Grand Prix is always a bit different. In many respects the race is just the same as the other 16 in the busy Formula One season, but I have to say that when we're on the way to Spielberg, driving through the beautiful landscape with the trees and mountains, I always get an overwhelming homesickness. I remember where I'm from and I'm very proud of it."

"We had a tough start to this season and as a result there's been some negative publicity, which only makes us more determined to overcome the difficulties and get back to the results we know we are capable of. As this is my home race, it would mean a lot to me if we were to score points here."

Testing update: Jordan ran simultaneous test sessions in Silverstone and Elvington in the week following the Spanish Grand Prix. Marcel Lasée carried out aerodynamic straight-line testing at Elvington for three days from 30 April to 2 May. The test programme was affected by wet and windy weather, however the team was able to collect some useful information correlating wind tunnel and on-track data. Meanwhile Takuma Sato was at Silverstone on 1 May, working on a modified new front suspension geometry which is planned for use for Monaco. Minor problems interrupted running but initial trials of the modification gave positive results.

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering

"We are working hard to resolve our reliability issues and have identified a problematic EJ11 hydraulic manifold part, for which we have found an interim solution while we manufacture a newly-designed item. In Austria the EJ12 will also be running a new front wing for the first time at a race. The A-1 Ring used to be a good track with fast flowing corners however now it has become something of a `stop-and-go' track, and a circuit which is all about power. It's going to be a challenging weekend."

Giancarlo Fisichella

"I'm always very happy to race in Zeltweg as it is a beautiful circuit with good memories for me. In 1997 I had a great race there, when I started in 14th position and finished 4th, and also it was at A-1 ring where I gained my first pole position in 1998. The circuit is technical rather than fast, and as Zeltweg is close to San Marino, I consider it to be the fourth of the `Italian' races in terms of supporters' presence, along with Imola, Monza and Monte Carlo."

Takuma Sato

"I am looking forward to the Austrian Grand Prix because I am hoping to improve my season and start to score points. I would like to be the first driver to score points for Honda this season. I like the look of the circuit and of course will be trying 100% as usual."

-jordan-