Formula 1
Spanish GP: Jaguar preview
Jaguar Racing flew to Mugello (Italy) last week to continue with testing on the Jaguar R4 following the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. The team worked on both tyre and fuel comparisons while also investigating the launch control set-up issue that ...
Edited: Apr 30, 2003, 2:15 AM
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Jaguar Racing flew to Mugello (Italy) last week to continue with testing on the Jaguar R4 following the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. The team worked on both tyre and fuel comparisons while also investigating the launch control set-up issue that had caused Mark Webber to lose six places by the first corner in Imola where he qualified 5th on the grid. Mark and Antonio Pizzonia shared testing duties over the three-day programme gathering data for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona).
David Pitchforth - Managing Director:
"The team has been working on strengthening further the competitiveness the R4 both here in the factory and out at the Mugello circuit in Italy last week. We experienced an issue with our launch control system at the start of the San Marino Grand Prix and correcting this has been the priority. In addition, we have continued working on our tyre and fuel strategy and focusing on the aerodynamic efficiency of the car - something that will be put to the test this weekend at one of the toughest aero circuits on the F1 calendar."
"Furthermore, we continue to concentrate on the quality of our parts in an attempt to improve our reliability that has suffered over the last few races and as a consequence, robbed us of championship points. In all, the test at Mugello went well apart from some engine issues that cost us some track time."
"The Circuit de Cataluyna, however, is a place we know very well indeed from all the testing we have conducted there. The Jaguar R4 development programme was undertaken there and unlike other race circuits, we have a wealth of data at our disposal prior to Friday's two-hour test. It is also a circuit that both our drivers know very well - particularly Antonio who generated hundreds of kilometres of testing with BMW WilliamsF1 Team last year."
"Contrary to the wave of media speculation around us on the subject of Antonio's future, he will race this weekend in Barcelona and we will continue to support his development and growth. Both Jaguar Racing and Antonio share a mutual interest in the outcome of his development and both sides have every intention of extracting the maximum from the potential of the R4 package over a race weekend."
Antonio Pizzonia:
"It is important for me to ignore the recent press speculation about my position in the team and perform to the best of my ability in Barcelona. I am looking forward to this race for several reasons not least of all because this is the first opportunity I will have this year to race on a circuit where I have driven in a Formula One car. I have completed hundreds of kilometres testing here and this was where I drove a Jaguar for the first time in September last year."
"While to the top teams completing a Grand Prix may not seem that much of a milestone, I was delighted to give Jaguar its first finish of the year in Imola. This gave us so much valuable data to work on at our test last week in Mugello. I like the Barcelona track but it is a challenge as regards finding a well-balanced car, and the four high-speed corners make good aerodynamic efficiency important".
Mark Webber:
"I went straight from Imola to Mugello to test with the team on Wednesday. We worked through a usual test programme of tyres and fuel comparisons, but also looked at our launch control and aero. The launch control work went well and we also made some mechanical improvements to the car in time for this weekend's race. Brazil and Imola have provided some good qualifying results for us and I am keen to continue with this theme in Barcelona."
"The high-speed corners will be a good test for our aero package and with that we go there with an open mind. We need reliability and if we can achieve that, we know we are capable of challenging for points consistently. Like all drivers I know this circuit well and so in an odd way this is not my favourite race. Saying that I will be keen to see what we can achieve during the weekend and of course the chequered flag would be a long overdue bonus given the pace and competitiveness of the Jaguar R4."
-jaguar-
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