19/09/2005
NEWS STORY
Following its last three-day test for the 2005 season at Silverstone, Jordan Grand Prix is bringing three EJ15Bs to Brazil where thousands of fans will pack themselves into the circuit for the only South American Formula One race of the year. The drivers will have to be physically ready for the challenge of the bumpy Interlagos circuit, one of just three circuits that runs in an anti-clockwise direction. The circuit is built in a very hilly area so there are some steep gradients to the track. The combination of two straights and a section of slow, technical corners in the infield, means there has to be a compromise with car set-up and downforce The very changeable tropical weather conditions can also play an important role here and add to the excitement of the race.
Narain Karthikeyan: I like Brazil and particularly the circuit at Interlagos, even if it is bumpy and hot there. It is a very undulating circuit and, as it is anticlockwise, like Imola and Turkey, it consists of mainly left-hand corners, apart from one of the hairpins. I drove there in 2002 when I was racing in the Formula Nissan World Series. We did very well and I hold the fastest lap record for the Nissan cars.
Tiago Monteiro: After such a great race at Spa and only three races left, everybody is very motivated to go to Brazil. The extra point could not have come at a better time. Brazil will be a very difficult track physically because of its anticlockwise configuration and also because it is quite technical to find a good set-up. We will have to be ready for the challenge. Of course, I am as motivated as ever - even more than ever - and I am looking forward to being there.
Nicolas Kiesa: I am very happy that I have been able to extend my existing contract for the last four European races to include the Brazilian and Chinese Grands Prix. I have raced at Interlagos in Formula 3000 in 2002 and, therefore, know the circuit pretty well. It is a very tough circuit as the track surface is uneven and it turns anticlockwise as in Turkey and Imola. This circuit has also more high downforce and quick corners. This will be very tough, but I feel quite confident that I am in good physical condition and also that our new car will perform well there as the more downforce we have, the better the car goes.
Dominic Harlow Chief Race & Test Engineer: "We completed a three day test at Silverstone covering over 1000Km. Anthony Davidson drove on the first day and we were very happy with the work we were able to cover. The following two days saw Sakon Yamamoto in his first F1 test preparing for his Friday duties in Suzuka and familiarising himself with the car and team. He adapted very well to the new surroundings learning the car in both dry and wet conditions and we look forward to his contribution in Japan. In addition we worked as normal on tyres and development components for the car and engine with both drivers.
Interlagos is something of a contrast to some of the circuits we visit, it is some 800m above sea level, quite narrow undulating and bumpy. The weather can be unpredictable as well and the last two races here, at opposite ends of the season have both been wet; there are always some surprises in Brazil, last year practice was delayed by a runaway dog. As well as the bumps the circuit offers the drivers some challenging corners, the Senna S that seems to have inspired the first two turns in Turkey, and the Ferrardura, it is also one of the three anti-clockwise circuits that we visit. At this circuit the cars tend to suffer from understeer and we try to improve this whilst maintaining good stability for braking and entry and strong traction all of course important for laptime. Under the current regulations Brazil is likely to be a two stop race. We have three EJ15B cars at this event for the first time.