The thirteenth race of the Formula One season was held today in front of packed grand stands at the Hungaroring in Hungary. Reliability was an issue for many of the field as a quarter of the grid retired before the end of the seventy-lap race. Jaguar Racing, however, once again proved their reliability on track with both drivers, Mark Webber and Christian Klien bringing the car home to the chequered flag in 10th and 13th respectively. Having qualified in 11th and 14th they were both able to make up a place over what was a tight fight at the top for points. The team returns home now to focus on preparations for the 14th round of the FIA Championship to be held in two weeks at Spa- Francorchamps in Belgium.
Mark Webber: My start off the grid was ok, but I was trying to make up a few places in corner one when I was hit from behind by the Toyota of Ricardo Zonta. Fortunately the car suffered no damage and I did not need to pit early and to be honest, I was lucky only to lose one place by the end of lap one. It was really then a case of knuckling down and making it to the end of the 70-laps. I was surprised to see how many people retired given the fact that usually by the 13th race reliability is so high. I was suffering slightly from a tyre issue before my second pit-stop but before I could get in I had a spin on corner nine, which was frustrating given the fact I was so close behind the McLaren of David Coulthard. I was so far ahead of the others that I did not lose any places but it was not ideal. The rest of the race went as planned and I am pleased to have finished. My focus is now on the next race in Belgium.
Christian Klien: That was quite a difficult race out there today and it was good to see the chequered flag after my seventy laps. My start was not bad and I managed to keep my position despite the first corner being pretty busy. I was doing my best to make up some places but at one stage in my second sector I was behind the Jordan of Pantano and he was holding me up, but I suppose that’s racing for you. The R5 was generally feeling good out there but my balance was changing a lot and this makes it difficult when entering the corners. I am slightly disappointed in finishing 13th as my expectations for this race were higher, but to be honest, given the retirement level it’s good to have finished.
Dr Mark Gillan Head of Vehicle Performance: Mark’s start was not great and as he was battling for position with the Toyota of Zonta he was actually hit in corner one from behind. We were relieved to see that the car had suffered no damage and Mark could stay out as planned. Christian's start was not bad and he maintained his place in the field. Unfortunately though both Mark and Christian were struggling with balance by the end of the first session and during the second stint due to tyre issues. However, we made some changes and they were both happier after their second pit-stop. The reliability of the R5 has been good all weekend and we have certainly learnt a lot over these three days and in particular today. The changing track conditions have kept us busy since Friday but I am pleased with our general progress. We will be going home now to focus on continuing with this progress in two weeks time in Belgium where we will be looking for some point-finishes.
