British GP Stewart-Ford Preview

Tuesday 7th July: PREVIEW

Both drivers completed some valuable work during last week's Silverstone tyre test. They worked through a programme of set-ups in an effort to have the cars in race trim. Besides general set-up evaluation, a number of aerodynamic modifications were tried.

Paul Stewart, Managing Director:

'Although our three-day test was not rewarding from the perspective of tangible times, we made progress in terms of the direction we want to take to continue the development of the chassis and engine package. Part of that progress was the successful debut of the Ford Zetec Series Five engine. Because Silverstone is our 'local circuit' there is a tendency to place a heavier emphasis on this race than others on the calendar. We'll be entertaining a far greater number of guests than usual and our drivers will make no fewer than 25 scheduled hospitality appearances over the weekend. Last year Silverstone was a disappointing race for us but I am confident that we are in a much better position to make our mark this time round.'

Martin Whitaker, Ford European Director of Motorsport:

'The Series Five version of the Ford Zetec-R V10 engine made its debut at the Silverstone test last week and Rubens was impressed with its improved top-end power and driveability. We will take two Series Five engines to Silverstone for the race and a decision when they will be used will be made later in the week. Always a notable event for Ford, the 1998 British Grand Prix is doubly significant with the UK public debut of the Ford Cougar, which is a further demonstration of the links between motorsport and Ford's market leading products.'

Rubens Barrichello: 'We learned quite a bit from the test. I would have liked to finish higher up the time sheet, but I guess we now know we will have to work harder to make the top 10 in qualifying. Because it's not easy to overtake here, qualifying is very important. The car is working well in the fast corners but we are losing time through the slower sections like the complex. Silverstone is an open race because it's tough on engines, brakes and tyres. If we qualify well and get a good start, a finish in the points is a possibility.'

Jos Verstappen: 'Obviously the more I drive the car, the more comfortable I feel with it. I got through quite a lot of work during the test despite not having a long run. The race is important for the English-based teams and it's a grand prix I always look forward to because it's a nice circuit. The feeling in the team is good and if we qualify well, anything can happen in the race.'

British Grand Prix: Rubens Barrichello: Car no.18: SF-2/04 Jos Verstappen: Car no.19: SF-2/03 T-car: SF-2/02