Formula 1
Italian GP: Jaguar preview
Jaguar Racing travel to Monza (Italy) this week in preparation for this weekend's final European race. The team has prepared by completing a three-day test at the Monza track last week when both racing drivers, Mark (28) and Christian (21) ran the ...
Published: Sep 8, 2004, 2:37 PM
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Jaguar Racing travel to Monza (Italy) this week in preparation for this weekend's final European race. The team has prepared by completing a three-day test at the Monza track last week when both racing drivers, Mark (28) and Christian (21) ran the R5 for three days.
Looking at tyre compounds and race set-up the team was pleased after a successful programme was completed with both drivers. After Christian Klien scored his first three Championship points in Belgium, the team are keen to continue to score points and will be focused on doing so in Monza.
Mark Webber:
"The last of the European races has come around very quickly and it's probably one of the best on the calendar in terms of excitement. Monza is a great track when it comes to challenges for the drivers and teams. You need to master the corners very quickly if you want to make up a few tenths. The track itself can be quite tough on the cars so you need to have done your homework and be well prepared."
"We have been preparing ourselves by carrying out a three-day test last week at the track and I have no doubt that this will stand us in good stead. The test allowed us to work on tyre compounds and general race set-up. The track conditions can change frequently there so it is good going into the race with so much mileage and thus data already under our belt."
"I am particularly looking forward to this weekend as I like Italy, the atmosphere is electric and the fans arrive in there thousands. The passion for the sport is evident and it makes racing there all the more special. The team has done a good job in their preparation so it would be great to give them some points back in return for their efforts."
Christian Klien:
"After finishing sixth and scoring my maiden F1 Championship points in Belgium just under two-weeks ago, I am really keen to get back out on track this weekend in Monza. My first experience of this Italian track was two years ago when I had a test day in a Formula Renault. Fortunately Jaguar Racing chose to test there last week so I had another three-days to actually experience the track in a Formula One car."
"The circuit seems less complicated than Spa although there are some tricky corners. My three-day test was a real bonus for me as I am on confident about the layout and the circuit challenges going into the race weekend. The R5 has proved itself reliable, fast and also a point's contender. I am now really keen to keep pushing and score more points."
Björn Wirdheim:
"This is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar. I have some great memories of racing here over the years and since my last two races here in F3000 saw me win, I definitely have a special feeling for this place. The track is really fast and there are a couple of corners that you have got to get right, otherwise you will be getting too close to the gravel- trap for comfort."
"I conducted a test here last year with the Jordan Formula One team so I am pleased to have already had the opportunity to experience the track in a Formula One car. It's going to be really good to get back out in the R5 and push the car through those bends. The Ascari corner can be pretty tricky so I suspect that there should be some fun on track this weekend and also a good race."
"Looking ahead to Friday I will be focusing on tyres and general set-up. The three-day test that was conducted last week has already helped the team and both Mark and Christian immensely."
David Pitchforth -- Managing Director:
"It's been a busy couple of weeks for us here at Jaguar Racing since finishing with another three points in Belgium. Our race weekend there produced a good result and we have been focusing very hard on what we need to do to achieve more results like these before the end of the season."
"Mark and Christian have been working closely with their engineers and the team last week while they were testing in Monza and we are pleased with the progress that we are making. Monza can be a challenging track to get right but the test has certainly helped both drivers feel more comfortable with the R5 and the demands of the circuit."
"We continue to develop the R5 and although there are no specific upgrades for this weekend we have continued to develop many parts of the car. We have a good strong package this weekend and although we know the track is demanding we will be doing all we can to score more Championship points."
Dr Mark Gillan -- Head of Vehicle Performance:
"Since our points scoring finish in Belgium we have completed a three-day test at Monza in Italy. It's a track that the team knows well and our test programme went as planned. Mark and Christian both tested and although Mark knows the track, the test was particularly positive for Christian who had not previously had the opportunity to drive an F1 car there."
"Looking ahead to the race weekend in Monza, reliability is key as always but here is it tested to the limit as the track is tough on the cars and in particular on the engine, tyres and brakes. Looking more closely at brakes you need to keep an eye on wear rates and temperature. This can be a problem on the Monza track so you need to keep the brakes within acceptable temperature limits. This is when our good working relationship with Brembo brakes comes into play."
"The circuit itself is a low down force layout and the high cornering speeds and high vertical loads along the straights give the tyres a physically hard time. We have been working on this with Michelin in Monza and are pleased with the results going into this weekend. Cosworth are continuing to fine-tune our engine the CR6-V10 as Monza stresses the engine requiring it to run at over 70% full throttle during a lap."
"We are very much looking forward to this race weekend in Monza. Previous results at this track have been good, with third place in 2002, and we are looking to continue with this record this weekend."
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