British GP Arrows race notes

OrangeArrows drivers, Jos Verstappen and Enrique Bernoldi, finished the 2001 British Grand Prix in 10th and 14th positions respectively. Both drivers made great starts to take them into the middle of the pack from their grid positions of 17th and 20th. On the same two-stop strategy they both drove a solid race at the OrangeArrows team's home Grand Prix.

It was important for OrangeArrows to get an encouraging result at Silverstone as the personnel from the team's HQ at Leafield were out in force to watch their cars perform.

The whole team has had an enjoyable British Grand Prix. No dramatic weather, no traffic jams and lots of sponsor and celebrity guests to entertain. The entire squad from Gloucester Rugby Football Club and pop bands, Hearsay and Bellefire, joined the team on Saturday and television's Ant & Dec were on the grid today to wish Jos lots of luck for the race.

Jos Verstappen
"I had a very good start, gaining six places, then overtook Villeneuve and Alesi to get up to ninth position. I was sliding around a little on my first set of tyres but after the first pit-stop the balance was much better. I had good traction and the handling was good. This carried through to my third set of tyres but I had to slow down at the end as I had an engine problem. Overall though I'm reasonably happy and I'm already looking forward to the next race."

Enrique Bernoldi
"I got up to 14th position at the start which I was happy about and set about chasing Button in the Benetton. I was definitely faster than him but didn't have enough downforce to overtake. Eventually I beat him on strategy but his team-mate beat me! I think 14th position from 20th on the grid is not all bad. Our race pace was as strong as usual and it's good for the team to get both cars to the finish."

Mike Coughlan, Technical Director, OrangeArrows
"We're very pleased to get both cars home, especially Enrique. Both drivers drove an excellent first stint, securing good track positions. Jos had a small engine problem at the end but he nursed his car home perfectly. We're now looking forward to running at a low downforce track which suits us more."

-Arrows