Italian GP Jordan preview

Fresh from a points finish in Belgium, the Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda team travels to Monza, the circuit where it enjoyed victory two years ago. The 1999 win, probably the most notable of Jordan’s three race victories for being achieved on a dry track against strong competition, helps to build Jordan’s confidence in its fight for fourth place in the 2001 World Championship.

“It always feels good to go back to a circuit where you have previously won and Jordan has shown to be fairly strong at Monza in the past. Coming to this race having scored a point in Belgium is also a good morale boost for the team,” commented Trevor Foster, Jordan’s Managing Director. “The track is incredibly demanding on engines, gearboxes and brakes and, coupled with the nature of the circuit and the large number of first lap incidents in recent years, it is usually a race of attrition.”

Monza may mark the end of this season’s European races, but with three races remaining there is still a great deal to play for in the tough championship battle. Foster continued, “Reliability is a key factor at this circuit and in our quest to score more points in the last three races of the season, in order to try and achieve our aim of finishing fourth in the championship.”

Jean Alesi on the Italian Grand Prix
“Monza is one of my home Grands Prix as my origins are Italian. I really like the circuit and have some good memories from Monza. I’ve had two pole positions there and also came very close to winning in ’94 and ‘95, but was unfortunately hindered by car troubles on both occasions. I enjoyed every minute of racing in Spa and am sure I will gain as much pleasure driving the EJ11 on such a fast track as Monza. Hopefully I will score more points too.”

Jarno Trulli on the Italian Grand Prix
“Monza is a great circuit and I believe that we can really challenge for points there as the car is strong and suited to circuits of this nature. It would be great to produce a points scoring finish in front of my home fans.”

-Jordan