18/10/2004
NEWS STORY
The long-awaited return to Interlagos brings a taste of exhilaration for Nick Heidfeld, who had his best career result to date there with 3rd place in 2001, and even more so for the Jordan team after its remarkable win in the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix eighteen months ago. Giancarlo Fisichella's heroic drive gave Jordan victory in the team's 200th Grand Prix and its fourth win since entering Formula One in 1991. Fisichella started from 8th on the grid and in heavy rain he exploited a strategy which took advantage of erratic weather conditions. On lap 54 he overtook Raikkonen and led the race for over a lap before an accident stopped the race with 15 laps to go.
Eddie Jordan: Winning in Brazil last year was precious for everyone in the team, as well as for Giancarlo as it was his first win. It was our 200th Grand Prix and the 700th FIA World Championship event so there was an auspicious feeling in the air even before the race began. Giancarlo drove brilliantly and our engineers used the circumstances well, going with an ambitious strategy that I thought was crazy at the time but it worked in our favour. A little bit of luck came into it, I admit, but the fact is a Jordan was leading the race and had been for some time when the race was stopped. I treasure that day because anyone would say it is impossible at the moment for a private team to win a race. We proved anything is possible and I‘m proud. Our hard work isn't rewarded with great results very often these days but that doesn't stop us from fighting every race as if we could win.
James Robinson: All the classic quotes rightly come back when we return to Sao Paolo: anti-clockwise, undulating, with a beautiful flowing corner sequence. This year we have the included benefits of spring weather and the expected carnival of a last race. The strong changes in elevation and the tighter infield make wing choice interesting, much will depend on the rain together with the strength of our Bridgestone tyres.
Nick Heidfeld: Interlagos is one of my favourite circuits because I like the track and also it has the great memory when I scored my only podium so far. I hope the circuit is not as bumpy as it has been in the past. They are always trying to improve it so we'll see how it is this year and hopefully it's better. The Ferradura corner is one of nicest in the whole F1 calendar in my opinion.
Timo Glock: Starting out in Brazil is going to be similar to China and Japan for me as I haven't been there so it's another new circuit. My last race was hard and I know I can continue to improve in Brazil. Definitely, I am hoping for rain because we saw in Japan two weeks ago that our car is relatively competitive in wet conditions. My plan is to do a good job and compete with my team-mate. It's also nice to be racing in the last Grand Prix of 2004. I'll do my best and hope for a good result.
Robert Doornbos: I had a little bit of time in the car helping the team with some aerodynamic testing at Elvington and I'm really looking forward to driving in Brazil. Everything's been okay so far, I just hope we are luckier with the weather than we were in Japan. It would be great for me to have two good full sessions as it's my last chance this year to show what I can do. I have never been to Interlagos before but Shanghai and Suzuka were also new to me, so it's just another challenge! It looks like a good track but physically tough partly because it goes anti-clockwise. I'll be preparing with TV footage, the PlayStation and when I arrive in Sao Paolo, walking the track.