12/06/2004
NEWS STORY
Jaguar Racing drivers Mark Webber and Christian Klien have qualified in 14th and 10th places respectively ahead of tomorrow's Canadian Grand Prix. Both drivers worked through their testing programmes in the morning sessions and were pleased with the R5 set-up and balance going into the afternoon qualifying session. Christian was first on track and drove a clean lap to secure his position. Mark suffered a minor lock-up that cost him some time but otherwise a clean lap. The team are looking forward to tomorrow's race with both Mark and Christian looking to secure points with their R5s.
Mark Webber: It would be good if I could start a bit higher up the grid but that's the way it goes sometimes. The car felt generally good and I was happy with the balance and set-up. I locked up slightly on corner ten which cost me some time but you have to take the rough with the smooth. The guys have been working very hard since Nurburgring in preparation for this race and I know that we are moving in the right direction. I scored two points at this race last year so I will be giving it my best shot to do the same again tomorrow. I enjoy racing here and because of the street-like circuit attrition is not unlikely so there will be opportunties to move up the grid. During our testing last week at Silverstone we worked on our starts so will be looking for a
good start and our strategy should stand us in good stead for a points challenging race.
Christian Klien: Today has been an encouraging day for me and I am pleased with my qualifying position for tomorrow's race. My R5 has
been well prepared by the team and it is feeling good around this track and the balance is also working well for me. We have had a productive weekend so far and I am very much look forward to racing here tomorrow. We have been working hard preparing our brakes for this race as it is well known that the slow corners and fast straights are very hard on them and they can become worn out. We will be looking to make the most of any overtaking opportunities and attrition that may occur on track and I am very much aiming for my first points this weekend. We have been taking steps forward all this weekend
and I would like to reward the team for their hard work and support.
Dr Mark Gillan - Head of Vehicle Performance: Both sessions worked well for us this morning and I was pleased with our progress. Both Mark and Christian completed their tyre programmes, general race set-up work and their brakes and balance were looking good. Going into the first qualifying session both drivers delivered clean laps but we knew there was more to come. Christian's second qualifying was an improvement and he secured a well-deserved 10th place. I am pleased with the way that Christian has approached this weekend and his consistency throughout. Mark's final qualifying was looking good until he had a minor lock-up going into the hairpin which will have cost him a couple of places on the grid. Overall, I am satisified with our positions on the grid for tomorrow and our strategy in place. We will be looking to secure additional points tomorrow in what promises to be an exciting and competitive race.