By Phil Giles
August 25 2002

Jordan's chance for more points in the constructors and drivers championship once again looms large as the circus heads for the Belgian circuit at Spa-Francorchamps. Over the last five years, Jordan have scored points at every race here. Rubens Barrichello gave the team it's first pole position back in 1994.  In 1998, Damon Hill took the teams maiden victory at the circuit and Ralf Schumacher finished second giving the team a historic one two. (Will we see a repeat of Eddie's dance across the track!??)  Giancarlo Fisichella has finished twice in the points with a podium finish for second place in 1997 and Takuma Sato holds the F3 Lap record.

All told, the Belgian track has been a lucky track for the team.  With a little bit of water on the circuit it should make for an interesting weekend.

Eddie Jordan, Chief Executive
“This circuit has great memories for Jordan but that won’t help us score points this year! We have developed a reasonable package during the season and we need to work very hard to get the most out of it in the last few races. Our team-work here has paid off before so I’m hopeful that we can perform well again.“

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering
“Spa is demanding and a good track for drivers. There are a lot of corners that require the driver to be right up there in terms of commitment. With regards to the car, horse power is important and the balance between straight line speed and downforce has to be good because there are a couple of fairly long straights. It’s a challenging weekend. One of the biggest trials can be the weather because it can be anything at any time and you can only benefit if you’re ready. I don’t think we’ve got any particularly big advantages in wet conditions but either way, our drivers are willing and able to take it on.”

“Spa has suited Jordan in the past because we have traditionally had a package that’s good in fast corners. Once again, this year’s car is efficient with its stable downforce levels for the fast corners. But, sometimes Spa is a little bit about luck, just taking the chance when something happens or comes together. Both our drivers know the circuit well, which is important because the fast corners like Eau Rouge are all about confidence. Giancarlo loves the track and was on the podium here last year and second with us in 1997. Takuma has the F3 lap record at this track and will start from a better base line than usual as he knows the circuit. And this season we’ve seen that he’s brave in the fast corners.”

Giancarlo Fisichella:
"Spa is a fantastic circuit, one of my overall favourites. It is an old style track, with a couple of corners second to none in terms of technical difficulties and the enjoyment they give drivers. Second place has been my best result, and in 1997 I achieved that with Jordan, after a terrific race and a duel with Jean Alesi. I am really looking forward to it, particularly because our competitiveness is improving race by race thanks to the efforts of the team, the development of the
car, the Bridgestone tyres and the Honda engine, which is now really good."

Takuma Sato:
"I am really looking forward to Spa. Like most drivers, it is one of my favorite circuits and I have raced there before in F3 with many good memories. So I know the circuit well and this is the sort of track that I love - fast, challenging and lots of up-and-down. It often rains in Spa, and it might give us an advantage, as we are normally in strong shape during wet conditions. It's gonna be a very exciting weekend for me, that's for sure."