By Phil Giles
April 23 2004

Jordan's driving duo found themselves at the bottom of the timesheets on the first day of the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. Third Driver Timo Glock failed to set a time.

Nick and Giorgio finished the practice session in 20th and 21st position.  Nick lapped in 1:23.866 and Giorgio lapped the Italian circuit in 1:24.091.  Timo spun and damaged the EJ14 in the first practice session and this prevented him from taking part is session two.

Nick is fairly confident that the team can pull it around for tomorrows qualifying session.  "I feel that we have made a lot of improvements on the car itself recently although I did hope to be even closer to the people ahead of us. I still feel that the balance of the car is not really as good as it could be and I'm confident we can improve it for tomorrow."

Giorgio is continuing with his setup program and feels that his confidence is improving.  "Today in the end we found quite a good balance with the car, so it just means I have to keep going with that set-up direction I think because there was quite a difference between the first session and the end of the second one. I feel confident with the car and think probably tomorrow we can make an improvement. I'm very happy to be driving here in Imola because I know I have some fans here and I'm a little bit excited about that because to go around and see you have people cheering you on is really good." he said. (In one breath apparently!)

"Timo started well this morning and was exchanging times with our race drivers but then unfortunately had an off at the chicane which damaged the car and although the mechanics tried very hard to repair it, they were unable to get it completed in time for the second session." Said James Robinson.  "Nick and Giorgio worked through their normal Friday programme of Bridgestone tyres and set-up. We have made improvements in the car and the drivers feel that compared to when we tested here in February. Let's wait and see what happens during the rest of the weekend."

Timo Said: "Today was not long for me! At the beginning the track was really dirty and the rear of the car was a little bit nervous but then we made a change and it was a good improvement for the car. But about half way through the first session I lost the car on the entry to the chicane, spun and crashed and that was the end of it for today. It's a shame for me and it wasn't a big help for the team either."