Formula 1

Brazilian GP: Jordan race notes

Giancarlo Fisichella's heroic drive to second place at Interlagos today gave Jordan its best result in three years, although he narrowly missed out on his first race win due to a rules technicality. Starting from 8th place on the grid in heavy rain, ...

Published: Apr 7, 2003, 4:08 PM

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Giancarlo Fisichella's heroic drive to second place at Interlagos today gave Jordan its best result in three years, although he narrowly missed out on his first race win due to a rules technicality. Starting from 8th place on the grid in heavy rain, he exploited an astute strategy from the team, which took advantage of erratic weather conditions and the use of the safety car. Fisichella overtook Raikkonen on lap 54 and was leading the race when it was stopped following a heavy accident on the same lap. Ralph Firman experienced front suspension failure under braking at the first corner on lap 17.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"I'm pleased Fernando is okay. I have had a fantastic day. Obviously I am disappointed not to get the chance to do one more lap so I could have finished first but being second is really good for me and the team. I thought I had won the race and I still think I am the winner but rules are rules. I would never have thought I would finish in 2nd today so I am pleased. I want to say thanks to the team it's an important result for us and it's positive for the future."

Ralph Firman:

"I had another suspension failure. It's a shame and of course I'm extremely disappointed. Fisi did a rally good job finishing second and getting the team some points."

Gary Anderson, Director of race and test engineering:

"Second is a great result for us, although I have to admit I'm disappointed that we didn't get one more lap as it was looking good. Fisichella drove well, the car kept going, the tyres lasted well and we're very pleased. Ralph had a front suspension failure, although I don't think it was the same thing he had in Malaysia. After this problem, we considered carefully what to do about Giancarlo because you don't want to take any risks, and thankfully we made the right call."

Eddie Jordan, Chief Executive:

"There was disappointment for some but this was our day. I thought we had a chance to win it particularly towards the end when Giancarlo passed Raikkonen. We were the quickest car at the track and it was fantastic. If you had asked me would I have expected a podium in Brazil I would have said you are out of your mind but it happened. I'm so happy for Giancarlo to be on the podium here and it's going be good for the future."

Martin Leach, President, Ford of Europe:

"We did not go to Brazil expecting a podium finish but the Jordan Ford team have performed exceptionally well today and executing exactly the correct strategy. Giancarlo drove a controlled and mature race in difficult circumstances to finish in second place. Our partnership with Jordan is generating massive amounts of enthusiasm and support from our employees within Ford of Europe. After such an outstanding result we are now looking forward now to the start of the European season."

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA: 2nd
CHASSIS NUMBER: EJ13-04
RALPH FIRMAN: DNF - mechanical failure
CHASSIS NUMBER: EJ13-02

-jordan-

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