Japanese GP Friday Jordan notes

Hakkinen makes good start in Suzuka

Mika Hakkinen made a good start to the weekend in Japan by finishing the Friday free practice session in first place. His team mate David Coulthard was behind him, with Michael Schumacher in third place. Irvine, who hopes to hold onto his four point lead and take the Championship, was only a lowly 10th.

Benson and Hedges Jordan drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Damon Hill finished the Friday free practice session in 9th and 16th places respectively, Frentzen complaining of lack of grip, Hill of lack of balance. Hill missed the first session after spinning off the track. Frentzen's last lap time, which had placed him 3rd, was disallowed because he had driven over the chicane in the last section.

"The track was very slippery today and it was hard work to get a good lap," said Frentzen. "The grip level is a lot lower than last year. But it is the same for everyone and I think we will be competitive tomorrow."

Hill commented, "It was difficult this afternoon because I was playing catch up after missing the morning session. You can't really afford to give away 20 laps of preparation. I was not happy at the start of the second session, but then I made some changes which I was pleased with and in the end I was happy with my lap time. I still could not find the right balance though - I just could not get the car to be consistent and found it hard to drive as a result."