French GP: Jordan Saturday qualifying notes

Nick Heidfeld and Giorgio Pantano qualified in 17th and 18th for tomorrow's French Grand Prix following a weekend of steady improvement with the car set-up. Heidfeld was content with his qualifying lap however Pantano rued a driving error that cost him a few tenths of a second in lap time. With the region's unpredictable weather conditions and Magny-Cours a favourite circuit for the two Jordan drivers, the team is hopeful of an exciting race.

Nick Heidfeld:

"We made good improvements with the car after yesterday's difficulties in finding a proper balance due to the wet conditions. The car changed more than expected between qualifying sessions and although it was better, a few small adjustments we made didn't pay off as well as I thought. Still, I think the lap itself was good."

Giorgio Pantano:

"I'm disappointed about the mistake I made at the second corner but I still tried to push very hard for the rest of the lap to stay ahead of a couple of cars. I've gone well here in the past and I feel good about the circuit. Also, the car set-up has been improving quite consistently all weekend so we'll see what happens tomorrow."

James Robinson, Head of race and test engineering:

"We have improved the car throughout the weekend with a shorter amount of running than usual thanks to the unsettled weather we had yesterday. Both drivers are quite happy with the balance and we will have to see what unfolds in the race tomorrow. The weather is looking changeable once again so we will see how that fits in with the strategy we have planned."

NICK HEIDFELD
Chassis: EJ14/03
17th, 1:16.807

GIORGIO PANTANO
Chassis: EJ14/02
18th, 1:17.462

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