MONTE CARLO, 28 MAY – 1 JUNE 2003

Jordan Ford is preparing for the challenge of Monaco’s unforgiving street circuit, and the team expects the new regulations will make for an even tougher contest at this celebrated Grand Prix. 

Gary Anderson, Director of Race and Testing Engineering, is looking forward to returning to Monte Carlo, “Giancarlo knows Monaco very well and I’m looking forward to working with him here because he’s a real specialist.  It’s a race that demands controlled aggression and a lot of finesse otherwise you end up with a lot of bits around you. The driver has a lot of input so it’s something of a performance leveller.  It will be very different and difficult to work strategies out.  There is almost no passing at Monaco and you have to be very careful to get the best out of it. The mistakes in one lap qualifying will have a much higher price so we could see a topsy turvy grid and certainly an interesting race.”

“We’ve got a few small new aerodynamic parts and I think we’ve got a reasonable package.  However, we are still not as competitive as we want to be. Austria was disappointing with no points and a car not finishing because of fuel pressure trouble, which turned out to be an electrical problem.  Even if we had finished, the best we can do at this point in time is not good enough.  We know that and are working pretty hard to get past it for the future.

“Monaco for me has got some memories, good and bad, from being locked up in prison after a little incident with a policeman, to some good results on the track!”

Giancarlo Fisichella
“Monaco is my favourite circuit. It's a fantastic location, with the unique street circuit and the beautiful harbour setting. The atmosphere is unbelievable and it's always exciting on the track. I have had some great podium and points results here and I always feel very comfortable driving this circuit. It is elaborate, not easy, and you have to concentrate to drive well as there is no room for mistakes. I love the track.  It's really demanding and this is what F1 racing is all about."

Ralph Firman
“This is my first race in Monaco and my first time in a Formula One car on a street circuit – it’s going to be an amazing experience and I am expecting the first few laps to be a real eye opener.  I do enjoy street circuits and I won in Macau when I was there. I’m looking forward to it.”

Martin Leach, President & COO, Ford of Europe
"The Monaco Grand Prix is the jewel in Formula One's crown with a unique place in the international sporting calendar, so we're delighted to be here with Jordan Ford. Once a year the Principality becomes an unrivalled showcase for manufacturers and delivers all the excitement that the spectators and the global TV audience could want.  This Grand Prix holds a special place in Ford's sporting heritage – Ford Cosworth engines have won here no fewer than 13 times - and I am sure that everyone in the Company will be right behind Giancarlo, Ralph, and the whole Jordan Ford team, willing them on to further success."