2004 Hungarian GP

Just ten miles south-east of the beautiful city of Budapest, the hills surrounding the Hungaroring form a natural amphitheatre to offer fabulous views of virtually the whole circuit.

Hungaroring hosted its first Grand Prix in 1986 and its twisty configuration with slow corners makes this circuit one of the slowest on the calendar. Maximum downforce is required for fast cornering and with few overtaking opportunities, a good qualifying position is crucial.

Ferrari clinched it's sixth consecutive World Constructors' title at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Michael Schumacher was very happy, praising the performance of the Ferrari F2004, which carried him to a record twelfth win in a season, career win 82 and fourth win at this circuit. "The (constructors') title means more than winning twelve races in a season and the fact that this is the sixth in a row means more than the fact it is the 14th for the team. The way we achieved it is outstanding; we were so dominent, so perfect. To win in style here compared to last year shows why we have won the title so early. The whole team is great and deserves this result."

Schumacher set off from pole and led throughout the race recording the fastest lap time. Barrichello closely followed him, making it Ferrari's seventh one-two of the season. Rubens said "this (constructors') title is a phenomenal achievement and I feel fantastic about being part of it. Together with Michael, we have put each other under pressure on the track to drive each other forward and the team always responds to this."

Nick Heidfeld finished 12th for Jordan Ford at the Hungaroring today after getting a good start and racing closely with the Toyotas and Jaguars throughout his three-stop race. Giorgio Pantano retired with a gearbox problem from 14th place on lap 51.

Nick Heidfeld and Giorgio Pantano took 16th and 17th for Jordan Ford today in the starting grid for tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Both drivers had reported better handling with a good car set-up in free practice sessions yesterday and this morning however they experienced unforeseen balance changes during their qualifying laps.

Jordan Ford experience a relatively trouble free practice day at Hungaroring ahead of this weekends Grand Prix. Heidfeld, Pantano and Glock collectively completed a total of 98 laps on the 4.381km long circuit, and were positive ahead of tomorrow qualifying session.

Nick Heidfeld said “It was a good day for us because we didn’t have any technical problems and that allowed us to do a lot of laps. It was also very productive for us in terms of trying various things on the car. Plus, in terms of our positions on the timing charts it’s a better Friday for us.”

At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Jordan’s Message from Bahrain is one of environmental preservation. The Hungarian government has been working to preserve Lake Balaton, one of Hungary’s natural treasures and a unique ecological asset of the Central European region. With a surface area of 594 km2, the lake is the largest freshwater body in Central Europe however it has been losing volume at an alarming rate due to the effects of rising surface temperatures, attributed to global warming, on its extremely shallow average depth of 3.2m.

Jordan Ford drivers have spent time relaxing and training at their homes in the break between races and all three are now raring to go at the Hungarian Grand Prix this week.

NICK HEIDFELD
"My holiday time was spent at home in Switzerland which was very nice because of all the travel we do during the season. The weather was really good and I enjoyed doing a lot of training outdoors.”