Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Test Engineering
"We had a test at Monza last week and have done a bit of ground work so we are step ahead for the race weekend which is good. We still have a bit of work to do to get the aero package suited to the high speed track and get it working more efficiently. Because of the engine problems we had in Hungary, we have replaced one component of the latest upgrade with the previous specification, for the sake of reliability. Generally the tyres were reasonable at the test and we are quite happy with our choice, it seems to be quite a consistent race tyre.
"We are running three cars again at this event in the private test session and Zsolt Baumgartner will be helping us with more tyre work. The track always changes when you go back after a test so we will have to work with the conditions of the race weekend and it will be good to have a third driver helping us. Monza is a good circuit and it’s fantastic to see the Italian enthusiasm, there’s always a good atmosphere. We won here with Frentzen in 1999 and it was a dry race with strong competition so there’s a bit of confidence for us associated with the track.
"There are three races go this season and we are four points away from fifth in the Championship. There’s no way we’re lying down. We are having a go and doing our best."
Testing information
Jordan Ford conducted a two day test in Monza on 3 and 4 September with Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel on both days, joined by Zsolt Baumgartner and Björn Wirdheim on successive days. The team clocked up more than 1000km of track mileage on a programme which included work on Cosworth’s engine development, Bridgestone’s tyre test programme, rear suspension development, and work on brakes and low downforce set-up for the Italian Grand Prix.
Giancarlo Fisichella
"Monza is in Italy and a grand prix in my country makes the event special. One of my dreams has always been to finish on the highest step of the podium here. I do not think that this particular dream will come true this year, but I was thinking the same on the eve of the race in Brazil, so you never know. One dream which I wish to materialise, though, is for everything to be reliable and give me the chance to have a shot at scoring some points."
Ralph Firman
“After the disappointment of missing last week’s test, I will have a lot of work to do to learn the circuit on Friday morning. But I'm really looking forward to it because Monza is such a famous venue and a quick track, which I like. I know it’s a very important weekend for the team coming on the fourth anniversary of their win here and also for Giancarlo on home ground. But for myself I just want to put in a solid performance, qualify and finish as well as possible and it would be just great to score a point or two at this critical part of the season.”
Zsolt Baumgartner
“I enjoyed driving the car at the test in Monza as I was able to experience different conditions, trying the car in the wet and the dry and it’s important to get used to a car in both types of conditions. It was useful experience and a challenge doing a full day of F1 driving at such a quick circuit but I did a lot of miles and it was good to drive the car all day long without any mistakes. The team and I work well together and I hope I can do a successful job at the test on Friday to help them improve the car for the Italian Grand Prix.”