Belgian GP: Jordan preview

Jordan has scored more points at Spa than at any other F1 circuit and some of the team's most memorable results were achieved here. In 1998 Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher accomplished their celebrated 1-2 maiden victory; Giancarlo Fisichella was on the podium with second in 1997; and the team achieved its first pole position with Rubens Barrichello in 1994.

Jordan has had a points finish in five out of the last six Belgian Grands Prix and after scoring double points in Canada, the only similar `medium downforce set-up' track this year, Jordan is hopeful that the return to Spa-Francorchamps in 2004 will be rewarding.

Eddie Jordan, Chief Executive:

"It's superb to be going to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix, I think everybody really missed it last year and we are really excited about returning there for some exciting racing. It looks likely that Michael Schumacher will win his seventh Drivers' Championship here which, if it happens, will be fitting as he had his F1 debut at this track with us thirteen years ago, and he won his first Grand Prix here the following year."

"This is a real "drivers" track which sorts the men from the boys and requires total commitment and confidence. We have great memories of this venue as a team, but this year we have to focus on our current challenge. We have made progress with our package during the season and will work as hard as we can to make the most of the last few races. Our team-work has paid off before and I'm hoping that with hard work and a little bit of Spa luck, we will get a decent result."

James Robinson, Head of race and test engineering:

"It's fantastic to be back at this circuit after missing out in 2003, as it is probably the ultimate drivers' circuit on the Formula One calendar, one of the only remaining high speed, high `g', `on the edge' tracks. The weather is both a trial and an opportunity it can change at any time from dry to wet and if you can benefit if you are ready. The race promises to be exciting - we expect overtaking and we expect to see the weather play a part."

"The bus stop section has been modified and we have heard reports from those who have raced there already that the change has removed an overtaking opportunity but we will have to wait and see if that is the case with F1 hopefully not. We return to a medium downforce set-up, which we have not used since Canada, where we were more competitive. Spa can be a little bit about luck, with the weather and if anything unusual happens, but at Jordan we have historically been good at strategy calls so we are looking forward to the challenge."

Nick Heidfeld:

"Coming back to Spa is great for me and all the drivers because it is one of my favourite circuits. I'm looking forward to it even more than usual because we had a break for one year. I enjoy driving there and I also like it that the weather is usually changeable as it makes the show better and interesting. You never know what's going to happen when you arrive in Spa."

Giorgio Pantano:

"I am very excited that F1 is going back to the Belgian Grand Prix. For me, it is the best circuit in the world. To be back there in a Formula One car will be just fantastic."

MESSAGE FROM BAHRAIN

Child Focus is a Belgian-based charity providing active support in the investigation of the disappearance, abduction or exploitation of children and works to prevent and combat these incidents.

Founded in 1998 at the initiative of Jean-Denis Lejeune following an extremely high profile multiple child murder case which included Lejeune's daughter Julie among the victims, Child Focus has achieved remarkable results dealing with nearly 3000 cases involving more than 3300 children, 85% of which were closed within a year.

With the charity recognised as a public service and the Queen of Belgium as Honorary President, worldwide exposure through Jordan's campaign with Bahrain is intended to raise awareness for Child Focus and its work with international missing children organisations.

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