US GP: Jordan preview

With two races to go before the season closes, DHL Jordan Honda goes to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway determined to capitalise on the remaining opportunities to score Championship points. The celebrated Brickyard has been kind to Jordan, with the team finishing third with Heinz-Harald Frentzen in 2000 and fourth with Jarno Trulli last year.

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering, said, "Our chances of doing a reasonable job this year are pretty good. The track has got several lower speed corners and a long fast straight that uses the oval track going through turn one backwards, so it is an interesting circuit. We are strong in low speed corners so the twisty sections should suit the EJ12."

"The tyres that Bridgestone are bringing look positive and our engine. development is also promising We used the latest step in Monza qualifying and we have that as our standard engine here."

"The track is demanding because the infield section is quite flowing in its nature, with one corner leading into another, so the car needs to have a fairly good balance to stay on the racing line. We are in reasonable shape and looking forward to some exciting racing."

"On a personal level, it is really good to come back to the United States. Last year I was working in ChampCars and we didn't race at Indy so it has been nice to catch up with my friends here."

TESTING UPDATE

Giancarlo Fisichella carried out a two day test with Jordan at Silverstone on 18 and 19 September. His EJ12 ran on the whole without trouble and he was able to complete 704.3 km, working on preparations for the forthcoming US and Japanese Grands Prix. The programme included productive evaluations of brakes, control systems, aerodynamics, set-up and Bridgestone tyre testing. Takuma Sato will carry out the team's final test of the 2002 season on 2 and 3 October, also at Silverstone.

Eddie Jordan

"Our first ever Grand Prix took place in the USA (Phoenix 1991) so we always look forward to returning to the United States. I love racing here because the large Irish community is always so welcoming towards Jordan and we have a lot of American fans."

Giancarlo Fisichella

"Indianapolis is a good circuit and quite different from our usual race locations. I am happy and very proud to race in such a historical place because Indianapolis is one of the most important race venues in the world together with Le Mans, Monza and Monte Carlo. I'm looking forward to racing here again and, hopefully, to score some points."

Takuma Sato

"With only two races to go, I am pushing as hard as ever for points - I never give up! The USA Grand Prix will be a great experience for me, as it seems to be a very well-organised event and I have already met some of the people when I visited back in June. The track looks very fast and wide at the banked last corner with some interesting turns infield. I just hope we get the car suited to the track conditions and enjoy a good race."

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