Formula 1
Japanese GP: Jaguar preview
After a frustrating and somewhat disappointing weekend in Indianapolis (US), Jaguar Racing head to Suzuka to contest the seventeenth and final round of the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship. Suzuka is a challenging circuit, both tough and ...
Published: Oct 7, 2002, 9:30 PM
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After a frustrating and somewhat disappointing weekend in Indianapolis (US), Jaguar Racing head to Suzuka to contest the seventeenth and final round of the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship. Suzuka is a challenging circuit, both tough and technical, it is loved by the drivers who come here every year, many of whom have spent much of their early racing career at the famous figure of eight track.
Both Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa have a considerable amount of experience on this circuit and they will be looking to both consolidate and strengthen Jaguar Racing's sixth position in the 2002 FIA Constructor's Championship. Boasting a variety of high-speed corners and coupled with local unpredictable weather the circuit is likely to provide both drivers and spectators with an exciting end to the 2002 season.
Niki Lauda - CEO and Team Principal
"Suzuka is an important race for us, not only because it is an opportunity to secure our sixth position in the Constructor's Championship, but it will allow us to collect important race data on the R3 in preparation for next years challenger. The unique figure of eight circuit at Suzuka is very demanding on the car and it requires higher downforce than the last three tracks we have raced at."
"The team was rightly disappointed with our results in Indy and we will be looking to avoid the same situation this weekend, particularly when we know the car is capable of achieving a good qualifying position. One of my concerns here is the rain, it more often than not causes a problem, although of course, for the spectators this usually ensures an exciting race. Eddie and Pedro are both experienced drivers at this circuit and I know they enjoy driving here. I suspect that since this is the final race of the season, both drivers will be out to enjoy it and make the most of any point scoring opportunities that may arise".
Eddie Irvine
"It's always great to end the season at Suzuka. It is a fantastic circuit and one that I have raced at many times before, not just in F1 but when I competed in Formula 3 and Formula 3000. My experience here, along with Pedro's is definitely a plus point for the team. The circuit though, despite my knowledge of it, is challenging and tough. After our result in Indy the team and I are certainly looking to ensure we end the season on a high and ideally in sixth position in the Constructor's Championship."
"We have not made any changes on the car since Indy and Suzuka will really be the first opportunity to run the car at a high downforce circuit. The last three circuits have suited us well so it will be interesting to see how we go this weekend. The season has been tough for us as a team although it has been encouraging to start seeing some of the results of the hard work come to fruition before the end of the season. I go to Suzuka upbeat, encouraged and hungry for points".
Pedro de la Rosa
"The car has felt good at the last three races although the results have been disappointing for me. However I go to Suzuka positive about the race and excited to be racing at a track I know so well. I have had many successes here in both Formula 3 and Formula 3000 and it would be good to see some of that success in F1."
"It's a track I enjoy and I would go as far to say that it is my favourite. The fast corners are exciting, often you enter then blind as they lead directly into one another. I am not sure how we are going to perform here, the circuit demands much higher downforce than the last three and since the lap is so long there are many time differences. This is the last Grand Prix of the season and I would very much like to end it on a high. I will be aiming to enjoy the race while looking to support the team in consolidating our sixth position in the championship standings".
-jaguar-
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