Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering
“We are working hard to resolve our reliability issues and have identified a problematic EJ11 hydraulic manifold part, for which we have found an interim solution while we manufacture a newly-designed item.  In Austria the EJ12 will also be running a new front wing for the first time at a race.  The A-1 Ring used to be a good track with fast flowing corners however now it has become something of a ‘stop-and-go’ track, and a circuit which is all about power.  It’s going to be a challenging weekend.”

Giancarlo Fisichella
“I’m always very happy to race in Zeltweg as it is a beautiful circuit with good memories for me.  In 1997 I had a great race there, when I started in 14th position and finished 4th, and also it was at A-1 ring where I gained my first pole position in 1998.  The circuit is technical rather than fast, and as Zeltweg is close to San Marino, I consider it to be the fourth of the ‘Italian’ races in terms of supporters’ presence, along with Imola, Monza and Monte Carlo.”

Takuma Sato
"I am looking forward to the Austrian Grand Prix because I am hoping to improve my season and start to score points. I would like to be the first driver to score points for Honda this season. I like the look of the circuit and of course will be trying 100% as usual."

The DHL Jordan Honda team had a positive start to the Austrian Grand Prix weekend with Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato 5th and 6th in first practice.  Trying two development front wings, the drivers set competitive times throughout, chasing the Ferraris and their Ferrari-engined partners at Sauber.

The Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher headed the practice times in Zeltweb, Austria, after today's opening practice sessions while Tamuka Sato set the 10th fastest time in his DHL Jordan Honda.  After a promising showing in opening practice, when he was 5th quickest, Giancarlo Fisichella had a problematic second session.

Michael Schumacher dominated Saturday practice as the DHL Jordan Honda team struggled to find a balance on the dusty and undulating Zeltweg track.  Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato reported understeer problems as they fought to maintain competitive times in their Jordan Hondas.

Rubens Barrichello dominated both qualifying and team mate Michael Schumacher to claim pole position for tomorrow's Austrian Grand Prix.  For DHL Jordan Honda qualifying saw Giancarlo Fisichella 15th and Takuma Sato 18th, the former confident that he could have been better placed had he not been blocked by traffic. 

Rubens Barrichello continued to head the field in this morning's warm-up session, his Ferrari eclipsing the time set by his team mate Michael Schumacher by a mere 0.019s.  For DHL Jordan Honda the session brought a performance typical of the weekend so far with Giancarlo Fisichella 12th and Takuma Sato 15th.

Giancarlo Fisichella claimed DHL Jordan Honda's first points of the 2002 season with a fighting drive into 5th position in a race dominated by Ferrari, but marred by a serious accident involving Takuma Sato.  Rubens Barrichello dominated the race only to give way to Michael Schumacher at the chequered flag as a result of team orders, but it was Fisichella's performance which attracted much comment, the Italian one-stopping during the second of two safety car sessions and overtaking David Coulthard's McLaren prior to the demanding Rindt Curve when the Scottish driver ran wide.

The Ferrari team has received strong criticism from fans and the media for employing team orders in today's Austrian Grand Prix.  Even Michael Schumacher appeared bewildered by the call which allowed him to overtake Rubens Barrichello on the finish line after the Brazilian had dominated qualifying and the race.

Takuma Sato escaped major injury in today's spectacular Austrian Grand Prix accident but will be detained overnight in Graz's University Hospital for observation.  The 25 year old Japanese driver has suffered soft tissue damage to his right thigh, according to manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott who is present at the hospitality, but does not appear to have broken any bones.  He is said to be in excellent spirits and joking about having a look at his 'telemetry data' from the assorted medical read-outs and monitors being used to assess his condition.