Formula 1

Austrian GP: Jordan preview

The Austrian Grand Prix began a run of points-scoring races for Jordan last year and with two points finishes to its scoresheet already, Jordan Ford is hoping for similar rewards from this year's event. Eddie Jordan, CEO: "Austria was a strange ...

Published: May 15, 2003, 11:45 PM

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The Austrian Grand Prix began a run of points-scoring races for Jordan last year and with two points finishes to its scoresheet already, Jordan Ford is hoping for similar rewards from this year's event.

Eddie Jordan, CEO:

"Austria was a strange race for us last year as it was where Takuma Sato was extremely fortunate to escape unscathed from his huge accident, and then Giancarlo scored our first points of the season. This year we must build on the points we have already scored in Brazil and Spain."

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering:

"The Austrian circuit has changed a lot over the years and it's now a track with a lot of low speed corners with straights joining them - so not as exciting as it once was. We end up with a bit of excitement nonetheless because you can overtake on this track but you have to be very ambitious in order to do that. There are usually drivers out-braking each other and a bit of jostling for position which is good.

"You have to have a car that's quick in the straight. At any track with low speed corners and straights, performance is down to aerodynamic efficiency and horsepower and a combination of those gives you the speed to overtake.

"Previously we would have set the car up quite differently in qualifying and the race but there is no chance of doing that kind of thing anymore with the new regulations so you have to compromise one thing or another. It's difficult to know which way to go because it's not easy to pass although there are opportunities, braking for the low speed corners. It's traditionally a one- stop race but this year I'm sure we are going to see different strategies coming in to play for the first time. It's going to be more unpredictable and a bit of a lottery to be honest.

"People say this might be the last Austrian Grand Prix but I'm not sentimental because the Austrian track that I knew, in the 70s, a good track, with nice big quick corners, has all gone anyway. It's now a stop and go place. The real Austria went a long time ago."

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"Austria is one of the circuits I like, especially since I was on pole here in 1998. We scored points in the Austrian Grand Prix last year and I feel confident at the A1 Ring. The track is quite good, you can overtake in places and I hope to score points again this year."

Ralph Firman:

"It's a confidence boost to be going to a race after scoring my first point and I'm looking forward to scoring another. I've been skiing in Austria but never raced there and I'm looking forward to it as the circuit looks interesting with a few good overtaking opportunities."

Jost Capito, Director Team RS, Ford of Europe:

"After almost exactly two years away from full-time involvement in Formula One, I have to say that I am very excited to be involved again. It has already been a great start to the season for Ford of Europe and our relationship with the Jordan team could not have begun in a much better way - either on the track or off it. I am looking forward to working with Eddie Jordan and the team, and finding ways of improving our partnership even further."

-jordan-

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