German GP Jaguar Friday notes

A pleasing start to the German Grand Prix for Jaguar Racing with both Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa building on the team's good work at last week's Monza test in Italy. Eddie and Pedro worked through a programme of tyre evaluation and set-up changes to post the fastest and 6th fastest laps respectively on the timesheets. Both Jaguar Racing drivers enjoyed trouble-free sessions although Eddie experienced a power-steering failure at close of the first session that was rectified in the break without causing hindrance. The team also evaluated brakes in an effort to optimise performance at a circuit that is renowned for punishing brakes.

Eddie Irvine
"That's the best handling car that I have ever driven around Hockenheim. We're not as quick as we look but at the same time, we're not far away either. The Michelin tyres work very well here and combined with the recent aero changes to the car, the whole package has become a lot easier to drive. Monza allowed us to optimise the new package and given that I had missed the previous two tests because of my neck injury, it was my first opportunity to really understand the changes that had been made. Our race performances over the past few weeks have been strong but our qualifying performances have let us down. With this car at this circuit, I think we can make up for some of these unreflective qualifying performances. We won't be at the front tomorrow, but we should certainly be setting our sights on P8 and above. From here, our race performance should become easier, hopefully allowing us to score some much needed points."

Pedro de la Rosa
"I focused on a tyre comparison programme for the first session and then moved onto scrubbing in tyres for the race in the second session. The car got better and better each time I went out and I'd say that we're looking quite good here for the race. The tyres are working very well here, but we'll probably sacrifice qualifying a little in an effort to be better prepared for the race. This is one of the few circuits where overtaking is possible and I would rather focus my effort towards getting a good race strategy together. We seem to be more efficient with less downforce because we always seem to find more time than other teams when it comes to taking wing off the car. Let's see what happens tomorrow during Qualifying. I never read too much into Friday's times but, I have to say, we are quicker than anybody thought we'd be. The signs are good and we'll work hard to ensure that we're rewarded for today's good start."

Bobby Rahal, Chief Executive Officer & Team Principal
"That's a pleasing start to our weekend but we mustn't read too much into our times today. While they are very pleasing, I'm actually more impressed with the ever-improving pace of the car. Our three-day Monza test was productive in showing us where we needed to make adjustments to the new aero package and the overall balance of the car – something that both drivers have been very pleased with today. Michelin have worked very hard in an effort to bring a good tyre to Hockenheim and it shows. The Silverstone weekend didn't do us any favours, particularly with the weather, but I'm reasonably optimistic about our potential at this circuit. I'm not saying we'll be fighting for pole position tomorrow, but we should certainly be aiming to get both cars into the top ten."

-Jaguar