Japanese GP: Jordan race notes

Takuma Sato scored his first points in the 2002 Formula One World Championship today with fifth place at his home Grand Prix. A superb drive from the Japanese combined with astute strategy tuning by the team achieved the result which moves DHL Jordan Honda up two places to end the season sixth in the Constructors Championship. Giancarlo Fisichella's race car engine blew on its installation lap and the team had just fifteen minutes to adjust the T-car, which had been set up for Takuma Sato. The Italian battled with understeer for most of the race and finally he retired with his second engine failure of the day on lap 38.

TAKUMA SATO

"That was incredible! One point was what I was after, but I've scored two, which is excellent for the team. I really appreciate what the team and especially the mechanics have done. The car was really good and the strategy, tyres and engine all worked together well today. The crowds were unbelievable, waving at me on every single lap and I saw everything! It was great and I appreciate the fans. This is one of the best feelings in my life and I'm so happy to score two points for the team."

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA

"The start was bad when my race car blew up on its installation lap. I jumped into the T-car, which was set up for Takuma, the engineers and mechanics did a good job to quickly change it for me. My race start wasn't good and unfortunately there was a lot of understeer, which was completely different from this morning's warm-up. Later the engine gave up. I'm really happy for Takuma for finishing fifth though as it's fantastic both for him and the team."

EDDIE JORDAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

"I have to admit I didn't expect Takuma to come here and qualify seventh and finish fifth. He drove a perfect race and showed the talent I've been telling everyone about. He had a little problem with understeer in the middle of the race but the team called the right shots when James (Key) and Gary (Anderson) decided to give him more front wing at his pit stop. You could see it transformed the car to make it more competitive and then he was away. It has been a tough battle in the Championship midfield this season and finishing sixth is very important to us as it brings us respectability. I'm very pleased for Takuma as he did a great job. The crowd went wild for him and I'm sure there will be a party in town tonight."

TAKUMA SATO: 5th
CHASSIS NUMBER: 4

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA: DNF
CHASSIS NUMBER: 5 (T-car)

-jordan-