US GP: Jordan race notes

Following a decision by the Michelin-shod teams not to compete at the United States Grand Prix for safety reasons, only Bridgestone runners took part in the race. Both Jordan Grand Prix drivers made history in Formula One: Tiago Monteiro in ...

Following a decision by the Michelin-shod teams not to compete at the United States Grand Prix for safety reasons, only Bridgestone runners took part in the race.

Both Jordan Grand Prix drivers made history in Formula One: Tiago Monteiro in scoring the first podium-finish for Portugal and Narain Karthikeyan scoring the first ever championship points as an Indian driver.

After the start, the drivers settled down into a steady rhythm, had the same pit stop strategy and concentrated on bringing the car to the chequered flag.

Tiago Monteiro, 3rd:

"I have mixed feelings today as it was a strange race with no one being there. However, for me, it was still a race. I had to fight with my team mate and competitors at the beginning and push as hard as in a normal race. The most important thing today was to finish. I am very happy for the team because they have been working very hard the whole time."

"This is my ninth consecutive race finish this season and now I have scored some points so I am very pleased with that. I know these were weird conditions but nobody can take this away from me. Having raced in America in the past, I am sorry for the fans but the decision had nothing to do with us."

Narain Karthikeyan, 4th:

"These are my first Championship points in Formula One and it does not really matter how they come. Points are points. This is the first time an Indian driver has scored points in Formula One so I am happy. Due to the circumstances, our main job was not to make any mistakes and finish the race. My car was very reliable this weekend and I am very pleased with that."

Adrian Burgess, Sporting director:

"Today was an unusual race for Jordan Grand Prix. With the extraordinary circumstances, we did our best to bring both cars to the finish and we were there to get the points. We have done the same job as we normally do in a race and made sure we did not make any mistakes or take any useless risks. Now our main focus is on our test next week in Barcelona and to keep on improving the cars."