10 July: British Grand Prix - Race Report - Jordan Grand
Prix
Although Tiago Monteiro had to begin the British Grand Prix from the back of the grid due to an unscheduled engine
change on Friday morning, he had a great start and managed to overtake the two Minardis. He then had a rather uneventful race,
stopping for fuel twice and crossing the finish line in 17th position, further improving an incredible record of 11th consecutive
finishes for a rookie. Teammate, Narain Karthikeyan, who started in 17th position, also had an excellent start. Unfortunately, he
retired on lap 11 due to an electrical failure, which the team is still investigating.
TEAM QUOTES ON THE BRITISH GRAND
PRIX RACE
TIAGO MONTEIRO (EJ15/03) 17th “It was a good race for me again. I think we chose the right strategy:
we were quite heavy at the beginning and planned on having two stops. I had a great start, passed a few cars and followed Narain as
closely as possible in order not to let him get too far ahead. Unfortunately Narain experienced some problems and I was racing alone
for a long time. Then, halfway through the race, I was told on the radio that Sato was still behind me. So I was really pushing like
crazy to stay away but he was just too quick. There was nothing I could have done. Everybody was very reliable for this race
therefore it was very hard for me to finish in a higher position. I have now finished 11 races out of 11. It will be hard for the
next rookies to beat this record.”
NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN (EJ15/01) retired “I had a very good start and overtook
Massa but unfortunately he was able to repass me at Becketts. However, I had a very good pace and I managed to run with the pack of
Massa, Coulthard and Heidfeld. Unfortunately, shortly after, the car stopped apparently because of an electrical failure. It is very
frustrating, as it is the second weekend in a row that I am experiencing some problems with my car, although I managed to finish the
race in Magny-Cours. It is really a pity as I was going very well all weekend.”
ADRIAN BURGESS, SPORTING DIRECTOR “Poor
Narain, again he did not have any luck in the race. As always, he was doing a fantastic job keeping up with Massa, until we had an
electrical failure, which shut the engine off and forced him to retire the car. Tiago was on a different strategy as a result of an
engine change earlier in the weekend. He had a great race and was able to bring the car home, for the 11th race in succession. We
are now looking forward to the next race and will try to work harder and give the boys better equipment.”
TEST SCHEDULE Jordan
Grand Prix will be testing at the Circuit Paul Ricard on Thursday 14 July with Narain Karthikeyan and Tiago Monteiro taking over on
Friday 15 July.
