US GP: Jordan Saturday qualifying notes

Giancarlo Fisichella and Ralph Firman will line up alongside each other in 17th and 18th positions on the grid for tomorrow's United States Grand Prix, following a morning of set-up work disrupted by damp track conditions and a gearbox problem on Giancarlo Fisichella's car. Both drivers anticipate that their chance of achieving a competitive result in the race would be enhanced if recent showery weather conditions continue.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"This morning I had a problem with the gearbox and didn't get enough laps done so the car was not good in terms of set-up today. Grip is poor and the set-up we have chosen is more suited for wet conditions in case tomorrow is wet, which is what I'm hoping for."

Ralph Firman:

"It feels really good to be driving here in Indianapolis after five weeks out of the car and it's quite exciting as there are only two more Grands Prix to go. We have been struggling for the ultimate lap time today but that's just where we are with the car, we have problems with grip, and we're struggling with balance and the lower downforce set-up. There is a lot of oversteer on turn-in and understeer through the long corners, it's a bit of everything really. I had a pretty good lap with no mistakes, and did the best I could under the circumstances. Unless it rains I think we might struggle to score any points, but it's been pretty showery the last few days so we may get lucky."

Gary Anderson, Director of race and test engineering:

"Mixed conditions in the morning meant that the first session was a bit of a waste of time and Giancarlo had a gearbox problem which necessitated a gearbox change so he lost any running time potential. The second session was okay, we got through some work on fuel loads and we went with what we think is the best thing for qualifying. There are no miracles and our pace is where we are relative to the front. Hopefully we've got a strategy that will keep us in contention and if a couple of points drop our way we will take them and say thank you very much!"

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA
17th 1:13.798
CHASSIS NUMBER: EJ13-05

RALPH FIRMAN
18th 1:14.027
CHASSIS NUMBER: EJ13-04

-jordan-