06/06/2005
NEWS STORY
With a successful history for Jordan Grand Prix at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, the Canadian Grand Prix is a cheering prospect for the team. In its debut F1 season in 1991, Jordan finished 4th and 5th in Canada, scoring the team's first ever Formula One World Championship points. In 1995, Rubens Barrichello and Eddie Irvine finished second and third. Since then, the team has had a further eight top-ten finishes in Canada the last two in 2004, including another podium with Giancarlo Fisichella's third place in 1997.
In the run-up to the North American races, Jordan Grand Prix Fitness Trainer Gerard Gray will take Narain Karthikeyan and Tiago Monteiro into the Canadian wilderness. “It's always great to exercise in such an environment. The mind and body really benefits from the fresh air and challenging conditions. Lake Sacacomie is a terrific place for escaping the F1 bandwagon and getting back to basics of training right and eating properly.” said Gray.
The drivers will not, however, be enjoying a holiday with up-to six hours of exercise a day comprising of hiking, mounting biking, resistance work and speed sessions. “One of the key components in a professional athlete's life is discipline, committing yourself to do whatever is necessary to be able to give your very best at every competitive outing. They both need to forget about their Formula 1 lifestyle at the moment and toughen up both physically and mentally” Gray added. “At the very least the presence of bears should focus their minds to the workouts!”
Narain Karthikeyan: "The two North American races will be a bit difficult for me as I have never driven on these circuits; which will be different from my team mate who has already raced in Montreal when he was in Champ Car. However, I think I will enjoy driving in Canada as it seems to be very similar to Australia, a track that I particularly liked. I will have to spend the first sessions learning the layout but that should be ok. I know this is a circuit which has been quite successful for Jordan Grand Prix; I will then give my all and try to have a good race and a good result for the team."
Tiago Monteiro: "Montreal is a very nice track for the drivers but for the public as well. Its location on the island and the scenery around it are amazing. It usually a track where you can fight, as there are quite high speed chicanes and a lot of hard braking, so there is a potential to overtake. I have enjoyed racing in Montreal when I was in Champ Car and I am really looking forward to driving a Formula One car there. It is also the start of two fly away races, therefore we have to keep fit, focused and improve on the good work we have been doing."
Trevor Carlin Sporting Director: "We are really looking forward to the next two fly-away races. We would like to do especially well in Canada, which is the home base of the Midland Group. Canada will be a new track for Narain, however I am sure he will learn it very quickly. Tiago has raced there in Champ Car, so it will make his job a bit easier."