US GP: Jordan Saturday notes

Giancarlo Fisichella achieved his target top ten qualifying position today in Indianapolis while Takuma Sato played catch-up after losing the entire first session and part of the second session following an engine failure on his first lap. The ...

Giancarlo Fisichella achieved his target top ten qualifying position today in Indianapolis while Takuma Sato played catch-up after losing the entire first session and part of the second session following an engine failure on his first lap. The Jordan mechanics completed an incredible task in replacing the entire rear end of Sato's EJ12 in 30 minutes when the car was returned to the garage, so that he and his engineer could take advantage of the track time remaining.

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA

"As I expected, it was a very tough qualifying session. Although there may have been an opportunity to be a couple of places further forward, I achieved my target. It is important here to get the fastest sector times all into one perfect lap, but unfortunately I wasn't able to do it. I am pleased that the car looks reasonably strong in race conditions so I hope that tomorrow will be a good day and that I will score some points."

TAKUMA SATO

"It was a difficult day. The engine blew at the beginning and I lost all of my first session and ten minutes of the second session and it meant I couldn't use the latest engine spec. The mechanics did a great job of replacing the rear end of the car so quickly and I really appreciate their work. We did our best, but both yesterday and this morning we lost out on valuable time to refine the set-up. For my part, I couldn't get a rhythm together, so all in all it was a very difficult qualifying. We just have to hope that tomorrow will be better."

GARY ANDERSON, DIRECTOR OF RACE AND TEST ENGINEERING

"We thought we might get in the top eight, but I'm not disappointed because we have the potential for a good race and from ninth it's possible to score points. We did a lot of work on our start strategy at the last test and we feel it is better now. Takuma lost time yesterday due to a big spin and this morning due to engine failure. It has not been an easy weekend for him but all he can do now is put his head down and get on with it. I'm feeling positive about the race because we are pretty quick on the straight and it's possible to pass at this circuit."