DHL Jordan Honda’s efforts returned disappointing rewards during a punishing qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps, which resulted in Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato taking 14th and 16th positions.  Fisichella lost control of his EJ12 when the rear brakes locked and the car slid off the track at turn 7 during his second flying lap.  He set his quickest time in the T-car on his final run. Both drivers struggled somewhat with balance and grip levels, however the team achieved all that was possible in the available time.

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA P14 - 1.46.508

“I am very disappointed.  It was a difficult qualifying as we were not competitive today and our tyres offered no advantage.  I may have been able to find another half a second but unfortunately I lost my race car during braking on the second outing.  When you jump in the T-car it’s always difficult as you aren’t as confident, but I did quite a good lap on my last run.  14th is not very good, but considering the qualifying session I had, it’s okay.  I’m usually more confident in the race as that is where we are competitive. I had a terrific race here last year and I haven’t given up on the hope of scoring points this weekend, particularly if the weather conditions are right.“

TAKUMA SATO P16 - 1.46.875

“It was a tough qualifying for both of us.  The car didn’t feel too bad, although we needed some more stability and grip.  Even so, we pushed the car set-up to the limit and it still wasn’t enough to get a good position.  At such a great circuit that’s a shame but tomorrow we have another chance.”

GARY ANDERSON
DIRECTOR OF RACE AND TEST ENGINEERING
“This is not really where we want to be, but Giancarlo spun and lost his race car and there is never the same confidence with the T-car.  He managed a reasonable result given the circumstances and with both drivers we got all we could out of the car in the time available.  It is quite a tight group, but we have got to accept it and get on with something different in the race tomorrow.”

The T car is set up for Giancarlo Fisichella for tomorrow’s race.