2002 Brazilian GP

Thousands of fans pack themselves into the circuit for the only South American Formula One race of the year. Although resurfaced in 2000, the track remains bumpy. This, coupled with the fact that Interlagos is one of just two circuits that runs in an anti-clockwise direction makes this race one of the toughest and physically demanding for the drivers, putting extra strain on the drivers' muscles.

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, which can be further affected by the very changeable tropical weather conditions.

DHL Jordan Honda goes to Brazil boosted by the reliability of the EJ12s, which was demonstrated at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Director of Race and Test Engineering, Gary Anderson, said, “Despite the disappointment of not scoring points in Sepang, mainly due to the incident where Sato ran into Fisichella, we are heartened by the fact that both cars finished the race and indeed the entire weekend, without a single technical problem. Testing in Barcelona last week has also confirmed that the EJ12 is becoming a very reliable car, and we’re hoping for positive results at this race.”

Eddie Jordan
“The Brazilian Grand Prix has been quite a good race for Jordan in recent years. We’ve had four points finishes in three years and two of those were podiums in 1999 and 2000. Giancarlo has finished in the points here three times in the past four years, with a second place in 2000, so I am expecting him to perform well. It would be great to score our first points of the season at this race.”

Giancarlo Fisichella was 3rd fastest in his DHL Jordan Honda in the opening practice session in Interlagos, Brazil, behind Michael Schumacher's Ferrari and Ralf Schumacher's Williams. The Italian set good times throughout the one hour session, with team mate Takuma Sato not far behind in 8th place.

Takuma Sato will have his fastest time in tomorrow's qualifying disallowed by the FIA as a penalty for exiting the pit lane this morning under a red light. The FIA Stewards of the Meeting issued the penalty, stating that exiting the pit lane when the exit lights are red is contrary to Article 113 of the 2002 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

David Coulthard's McLaren emerged fastest in practice, three tenths quicker than the Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya while Michael Schumacher's Ferrari was back in fifth position, suggesting that the Michelin tyres are working better around the hot, undulating Interlagos track.

Ralf Schumacher was quickest in Saturday morning practice at Interlagos, the Malaysian Grand Prix winner putting his Williams top of the time sheets but only two hundredths of a second faster than David Coulthard's McLaren. The DHL Jordan Honda's struggled to set competitive times, Giancarlo Fisichella finishing 12th and Takuma Sato 18th.

Juan Pablo Montoya delighted the Latin American fans by claiming pole position for tomorrow's Brazilian Grand Prix, fending off a determined challenge from Michael Schumacher who was debuting the 2002 Ferrari. DHL Jordan Honda fell victim to the high track temperatures which clearly favoured the Michelin-shod teams, Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato salvaging 14th and 19th places on the grid.

Nick Heidfeld's Sauber collided with the Mercedes Medical Car when it parked beside Enrique Bernoldi's Arrows which had crashed heavily at the exit of Turn 2 during the final minutes of warm up. The Medical Car had just arrived at the scene, parking on the far side of the severely damaged Arrows which Bernoldi was climbing out of at the time.

Michael Schumacher dominated warm-up in his new Ferrari, raising the prospect of a titanic battle between himself and Juan Pablo Montoya in today's Brazilian Grand Prix. For DHL Jordan Honda it was another very tough session, Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato setting the 19th and 22nd fastest times respectively after complaining of low grip.

Michael Schumacher won today's Brazilian Grand Prix after fending off a determined assault from brother Ralf whose Williams finished the race just over half a second adrift of the Ferrari. DHL Jordan Honda produced a good finish for Takuma Sato, the Japanese driver claiming ninth position and enjoying himself immensely in a race which saw him overtake four rivals.