Formula 1
San Marino GP: Jaguar preview
After an exciting and challenging race at the Interlagos Circuit in Brazil, Jaguar Racing travels to San Marino (Italy) to contest the first of the European rounds in the Formula One World Championship. The performance of the Jaguar R4 at Interlagos ...
Published: Apr 16, 2003, 9:38 PM
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After an exciting and challenging race at the Interlagos Circuit in Brazil, Jaguar Racing travels to San Marino (Italy) to contest the first of the European rounds in the Formula One World Championship. The performance of the Jaguar R4 at Interlagos was very encouraging all weekend and the team is hopeful of further competitiveness at Imola this weekend.
The Imola circuit poses several set-up challenges in that maximise mechanical grip, traction and braking capabilities are required. The correct aerodynamic balance is also critical to a strong lap time with high downforce configuration playing a key role around the slower corners and chicane exits.
Since the Brazilian Grand Prix, the team has completed a one-day test at Silverstone (UK) with the aim of understanding better the on-going fuel pick-up issue - a problem that required Mark Webber to carry extra fuel throughout the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend - although he still managed to qualify an impressive 3rd place on the grid.
The work undertaken on this issue should ensure a trouble-free weekend in Imola but Jaguar Racing and Cosworth Racing will have to wait until Friday testing in Imola to truly understand whether the problem has been cured or not.
David Pitchforth - Managing Director:
"After Mark's very impressive showing at Interlagos and the team's hard work in repairing Antonio's car, it was naturally frustrating to lose our two championship points last week because of the FIA's decision to award the Brazilian victory to the Jordan-Ford of Giancarlo Fisichella. However, we are delighted to see the competitive Cosworth Racing engines performing so well and in the process, Ford Motor Company has added yet another victory to its already unsurpassed record in Formula One."
"As for Jaguar Racing, we tested last week at Silverstone for one day working through a test programme, which included aerodynamics and verification of modifications to the fuel system. Testing and simulation continues off-track at the factory with the team again focusing on fuel consumption and aerodynamic modifications for up-and-coming races. Once we have completed our Friday testing in Imola we will be better placed to understand the corrective actions on the fuel pick-up issue. The track temperature in Imola will not be anywhere near as high as we have experienced at the first three races and with that in mind, the tyre-war will be very interesting to watch."
Mark Webber:
"We had a trying weekend in Brazil and losing my two points was disappointing both for me and the team. However, we are very pleased with the pace of the car and we are looking forward to taking this package onto it's next stage of development. Since Brazil we have been looking at the fuel consumption issue and Antonio was out in Silverstone testing out modifications. Looking ahead to Imola I am certainly pleased to be back in Europe, the last three races have been very busy for the team and cutting down on the travel makes a huge difference."
"The circuit at San Marino is good fun, and I enjoy it. I have had two podiums here in F3000, with one win and a third and of course I would like to continue that theme with Jaguar Racing. My favourite corners on this circuit would have to be the Tosa chicane and of course the Rivazza. Both are good fun and really require 100% plus from the driver and the machine. I am looking forward to going back on the track and after the write-off of my car in Brazil, it is testimony to the hard work in the factory that we are in working order again for San Marino".
Antonio Pizzonia:
"It's good to be back in Europe after three races in three continents. I know the European circuits from my F3000 days and I am really looking forward to racing at Imola. This track has some amazing corners but there's some unforgiving ones too! Since Brazil I have been back in the UK with the team and testing at Silverstone. We undertook a one-day test at the circuit working alongside Cosworth Racing on fuel consumption amongst other things."
"I am looking forward to getting out on to the track on Friday for testing as I know that we need some more miles on the engine before we can confirm that the changes made have been successful. The weekend is going to be another challenging three days for the team but we are in good shape. The Michelin tyres have worked very well for us so far and it will be interesting to see where we come out in Imola. Power, traction, downforce and good brakes are the key ingredients to getting right round this track but as we have seen in previous years at Imola, the unpredictable weather can turn against you at anytime."
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