11/09/2005
NEWS STORY
Jordan Grand Prix drivers, Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan had good starts under wet conditions at the very demanding 44-lap Belgian Grand Prix, the last of the European race of the season. Both drivers took the advantage of stopping for fuel and changing tyres when the safety car was on the track following Fisichella's accident and rejoined the race in 9th position for Monteiro and 14th for Karthikeyan. The second pit stops went according to plan and the drivers drove strongly throughout the race. The team has the huge satisfaction to see both cars take the chequered flag with Monteiro finishing in 8th position, scoring one precious point, and Narain in 11th place.
Tiago Monteiro: I have really enjoyed myself driving today on my favourite track, especially under these weather conditions as we know they suit us and we can improve our positions. The Bridgestone tyres worked very well all the way and I felt very confident. I am delighted for the whole team and myself, this is a real point and we definitely deserved it. We had a tough time yesterday in qualifying but our strategy paid off. I am so happy.
Narain Karthikeyan: I made a very good start and Tiago and I were running at the same pace. Then the safety car came out for Fisichella's accident and we had to pit together. I was in the queue obviously and lost a lot of time. This is a pity as I had a good race and was able to fight with a few cars. I went on slick tyres maybe a bit early but the last laps were great. I am very happy for Tiago and the team to have scored one well-deserved point.
Adrian Burgess: It is a fantastic result for everybody. Tiago and Narain drove storming races and avoided the trouble. 16 out of 16 for Tiago and another finish for Narain. After Indianapolis, we would not have thought we could take any more points but this is really great for everybody involved here at the circuit and back at the factory, plus our partners Bridgestone and Toyota.