By Phil Giles
October 11 2003

First Qualifying at Japan saw Giancarlo and Ralph end the day in 17th and 18th positions. Ralph Firman being somewhat of an expert at Suzuka still found the going difficult as the EJ13's aerodynamics again let the team down.

"It’s great to be back here" said Ralph. "It’s like my second home and the only circuit this year that I know really well. I’m really enjoying it and it’s only my second race coming back after the accident. I’m working well with the team and we’ve found a reasonably good balance but there’s still more time to find, especially at the first corner, and our final position is a bit disappointing."

Giancarlo wasn't as happy with his position.  "It wasn’t the best today. I made a small mistake at the last corner and lost maybe a couple of tenths of a second, but then we are three seconds slower than pole anyway. But, it’s my last race with Jordan and I will do my best because it’s important for us to score some more points. I’d like to do that for the guys because in two years with them, I’ve had a good time. Obviously this season has been a bit tough but nevertheless the atmosphere in this team is fantastic."

"It’s a difficult track here. Downforce is important and I’m afraid we haven’t got enough of it!" Said Gary Anderson.  "This morning Motoyama did a very positive job in testing. He ran with quite a reasonable fuel load and did a good lap so I think his initiation into Formula One, just 40 laps, was very commendable."