Jordan Monza Preview

Gary Anderson
By Phil Giles
September 8 2002

Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella is very much looking forward to his home race at The Autodromo Nazionale circuit at Monza. Jordan won in 1999 with Heinz Harald Frentzen.

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering
"Monza is a fantastic circuit for atmosphere. You can't help but be stirred by the experience of being in Italy with the passion from Ferrari fans, as it's terrific to be among people who enjoy and love the sport so much.

"The circuit itself is quite difficult given that the driver doesn't have as much influence as he does at other tracks. He's got a throttle pedal and horsepower at the rear wheels and he just has to be on full throttle for the maximum time possible to get the lap time. Usually there are significant gaps between teams but the gap between drivers is small because the driver influence is marginal.

"Honda has a new step forward with the engine for Monza which we're positive about because you always need more power here. It is important to trim the car aerodynamically in order to get a single lap out of it, but the design of the circuit with some demanding corners connected by very long straights means there's a limit to what you can do for the race. We have to run the car with very low downforce here so it's always sliding and this is also where it goes at its highest speed, and that 360kph pinnacle is a thrill for the drivers. This race is good because it's never dull and the crowd is so passionate. As usual, we'll do the best we possibly can."

Giancarlo Fisichella
"I'm very thrilled about this race because Monza is one of my home Grands Prix and because I believe that the latest developments made to our car and engine will give us the chance to do a good job here. Moreover, Monza has an historical atmosphere and in Italy as well as throughout the world it is revered as a temple of speed."

Takuma Sato
"I am really looking forward to Monza because I raced there before in Formula Opel and like this sort of fast track which is so different to any other. I also tested there this week which was really useful as the track has changed and the first corner is different. It was incredible to drive F1™ at Monza because it's so fast. I have never driven F1™ with so little wing! Also, I think it's a good racetrack with several overtaking places, which could make it an exciting race! I hope we have a better time than in Spa."