US GP Friday notebook

SAP United States Grand Prix Notebook
Many teams salute U.S. with decals

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Sept. 29, 2001 - Ferrari, Mild Seven Benetton-Renault, Jordan-Honda, Jaguar-Cosworth and Minardi-European are all carrying decals of the U.S. flag on their cars this weekend. Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli have American flags blended into their helmet designs.

Ferrari supports American people: Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt says that Ferrari is racing in this weekend's SAP United States Grand Prix to show its support of all Americans.

"This race takes place at a dramatic time in the history of the United States," Todt said. "What happened back on Sept. 11 has affected everyone, including those in the world of F1. Racing at Indianapolis signifies a reaction to those terrible events, showing that our lives go on as normal, even if at the moment our hearts and minds are not totally concentrated on our work because one cannot remain indifferent to world events.

"By coming to race in Indianapolis and putting on a good show, we will seek to demonstrate as much as we can that we support the American people in such a difficult and painful moment."

First out: Jean Alesi, who will start his 200th Grand Prix on Sunday, was the first driver out of the pits on Friday morning in his Jordan-Honda as practice began for the SAP United States Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen's Red Bull Sauber-Petronas and Eddie Irvine's Jaguar-Cosworth were the next cars out of the pits. Enrique Bernoldi completed the first flying lap in his Orange Arrows-Asiatech.

Young driver program announced: The European Minardi team and the Motor Club of Argentina have agreed to work together to promote young Argentine drivers on the ladder up to F1. The Motor Club of Argentina has announced a comprehensive program for its drivers competing abroad, in order to provide them with all necessary support for their motor racing activities. Minardi, which assisted Argentine drivers Esteban Tuero and Gaston Mazzacane to make their debuts in F1, will make available to the Motor Club of Argentina both its facilities and its experience to achieve their goals for this program.

Brake lights: F1 teams will have the option of running with the experimental brake light system on Saturday.

-IMS-