Belgian GP: Jordan preview

Jordan has scored more points at Spa during the team's twelve-year history in F1 than at any other circuit and the track has been the site of some of Jordan's most memorable results. In 1998 Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher accomplished their historic 1-2 victory, Giancarlo Fisichella came second in 1997, his first season with Jordan, and the team achieved its first pole position here with Rubens Barrichello in 1994. In the last five years at Spa, the team has achieved a points finish in every race and in 2002, DHL Jordan Honda is hoping that the Belgian Grand Prix will be rewarding once again.

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering

"Spa is demanding and a good track for drivers. There are a lot of corners that require the driver to be right up there in terms of commitment. With regards to the car, horse power is important and the balance between straight line speed and downforce has to be good because there are a couple of fairly long straights. It's a challenging weekend. One of the biggest trials can be the weather because it can be anything at any time and you can only benefit if you're ready. I don't think we've got any particularly big advantages in wet conditions but either way, our drivers are willing and able to take it on."

"Spa has suited Jordan in the past because we have traditionally had a package that's good in fast corners. Once again, this year's car is efficient with its stable downforce levels for the fast corners. But, sometimes Spa is a little bit about luck, just taking the chance when something happens or comes together. Both our drivers know the circuit well, which is important because the fast corners like Eau Rouge are all about confidence. Giancarlo loves the track and was on the podium here last year and second with us in 1997. Takuma has the F3 lap record at this track and will start from a better base line than usual as he knows the circuit. And this season we've seen that he's brave in the fast corners."

Eddie Jordan, Chief Executive

"This circuit has great memories for Jordan but that won't help us score points this year! We have developed a reasonable package during the season and we need to work very hard to get the most out of it in the last few races. Our team-work here has paid off before so I'm hopeful that we can perform well again."

Giancarlo Fisichella

"Spa is a fantastic circuit, one of my overall favourites. It is an old style track, with a couple of corners second to none in terms of technical difficulties and the enjoyment they give drivers. Second place has been my best result, and in 1997 I achieved that with Jordan, after a terrific race and a duel with Jean Alesi. I am really looking forward to it, particularly because our competitiveness is improving race by race thanks to the efforts of the team, the development of the car, the Bridgestone tyres and the Honda engine, which is now really good."

Takuma Sato

"I am really looking forward to Spa. Like most drivers, it is one of my favorite circuits and I have raced there before in F3 with many good memories. So I know the circuit well and this is the sort of track that I love - fast, challenging and lots of up-and-down. It often rains in Spa, and it might give us an advantage, as we are normally in strong shape during wet conditions. It's gonna be a very exciting weekend for me, that's for sure."

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