JUNE 14, 2001

Zonta aiming for permanent Jordan drive

BRAZILIAN Ricardo Zonta is aiming for a regular race drive with the Jordan team after proving his worth in last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

Zonta believed he could have secured a points-scoring finish in Canada but for a problem with the brakes on his EJ11 car and now the former British American Racing driver is looking to get back into Grands Prix more often.

"I was very happy to be in the car racing," said Zonta. "Of course I missed a lot of time on Friday so in qualifying I didn't push so hard. I didn't know what was the limit of the car in qualifying but on Sunday it was a lot better.

"In the warm-up I started to push and feel confident in my job. I was third quickest, the car was good for the race but we had problems on the front brakes after the pit-stops, it became worse and worse, and we put all the brake balance to the rear.

"I had no brakes at the front anymore and we just cruised to finish the race. We lost a lot of positions and the opportunity to finish in the points.

"I think Jordan always knew about my performance, my work and I am looking to be with Jordan in the future. I just want to be fast, be quick and do the best results for them.

"There is a chance (of racing for Jordan next year). It depends on here because they have the option until August and if they don't want to then I have to find another place."

Zonta has been linked with a drive at the Prost team, but after replacing the injured Heinz-Harald Frentzen in Canada he is hoping to stay with the Jordan outfit.