Malaysian GP Arrows race notes

OrangeArrows driver, Jos Verstappen, finished the 2001 Malaysian Grand Prix in seventh position after a tremendous drive that saw him pass twelve cars on the first lap to get up to sixth position and run as high as second during the race, ...

OrangeArrows driver, Jos Verstappen, finished the 2001 Malaysian Grand Prix in seventh position after a tremendous drive that saw him pass twelve cars on the first lap to get up to sixth position and run as high as second during the race, challenging for the lead. Enrique Bernoldi suffered the fate of many a more experienced driver and aquaplaned off the track when the heavy rain fell during the opening stages

Jos Verstappen
"The whole team should be very happy with that. After the tough start we had to the weekend it was a great feeling to be so high up in the race. We got the maximum out of the car and the maximum out of me, especially at the start - I think that's one of my best ones yet! The car felt good in the wet but we know from last year it is good then and I have to say that I really enjoyed being up there in second place. The only shame is that we just missed out on the points but we're very happy that we have finished the race for the second time this season."

Enrique Bernoldi
"We had a problem with the alternator in my race car just before I went to the grid so I had to switch to the T-car at the last moment. I got a good start and was up to 11th but lost it in Turn Eight as it was just too slippery. I'm greatly disappointed that I didn't finish, especially as my home Grand Prix is coming up in two weeks time, but all I can do is look forward to the next race."

Mike Coughlan, Technical Director
"Jos put in a tremendous effort today with a fantastic, aggressive drive. The car behaved perfectly too after we took downforce off so we would have the speed we needed in the dry. We were hoping for a second round of heavy rain which didn't arrive so we had to come in for more fuel at the end so we're disappointed that didn't come off. Enrique had a tough time again, aquaplaning off after a few laps, but many more experienced drivers went of at that time too. We're all disappointed for him but will be right behind him for his home event in Brazil. We're off to Barcelona next week for a full four-day test where we will be concentrating on finding a good set-up for low fuel levels, which we can't seem to do at the moment, and also developing software for the Spanish Grand Prix."

Guy Audoux, Asiatech
"A low downforce strategy and a magnificently aggressive drive by Jos Verstappen gave the team a well-deserved seventh place today. This, allied to improved reliability, means that Asiatech's morale is at an all-time high but we know we still have a lot of work to do."