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Fisichella celebrates
Fisichella presented with Brazil Trophy

Giancarlo Fisichella was finally able to celebrate his Brazilian Grand Prix victory today when he was presented with the winning trophy by McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen in an unprecedented ceremony held on the start-finish line in Imola.  With their team bosses Eddie Jordan and Ron Dennis present, Raikkonen passed the trophy to Fisichella in front of a crowd of enthusiast supporters and the massed ranks of Formula One's photographers.

With their Jordan Ford and McLaren cars lined up, the drivers stood while the Italian national anthem was played for the Fisichella and then the Irish national anthem in honour of Jordan Grand Prix.  Ron Dennis presented Eddie Jordan with the trophy for the Winning Constructor.

Orchestrated personally by Bernie Ecclestone, the ceremony was witnessed by the Jordan Ford race team personnel who cheering and clapped as their driver celebrating his maiden F1 victory, Fisichella clearly delighted with the result and producing an Italian flag from the pocket of his race overalls.

"This has been fantastic for me, for the team, for everybody," said Giancarlo afterwards.  "I am very pleased to have the chance to celebrate properly with the team, especially to do it here in Italy.  It's been a little strange for me, but a really great experience and I am very happy."

"It was great for Giancarlo to finally have his moment," admitted Eddie Jordan.  "It was very sporting of Ron and Kimi to do the presentation and I think the entire result and the manner of everyone's behaviour has been good for Formula One.  In one sense the fact that there was confusion in Brazil means that today's ceremony took on an extra special dimension, a really unique event and one that we will not forget easily."

Jordan Ford's attention now turns to practice and first qualifying here in Imola, the team hoping that the weekend will add to the 10 points total achieved through it's 4th race victory in Interlagos two weeks ago.


18 Apr 2003 10:08

Jordan Grand Prix