JUNE 28, 2001

Jordan criticizes ailing squad

THE downcast Jordan team has been given a knockdown by team boss Eddie Jordan as the ever exuberant Irishman battles to stem the continuation of a disappointing 2001 season.

The year started well, with six points-scoring finishes in the first five races. But since the Spanish Grand Prix, when electronic driver aids returned to the sport, the team has struggled to perform.

"There are no excuses for our recent poor performance," said Jordan. "We are extremely frustrated with the course of events over the past few races.

"Having said this, it would be easy to build up a false picture, and it is important to stand back and look at all the facts.

"I think some people will wrongly jump to the conclusion that we have an unreliable car and are suffering similar problems to last year.

"This would be inaccurate for a variety of reasons. All the teams are getting quicker and the top three are becoming more powerful and reliable, so we have a lot of work to do but I believe that Jordan will remain a strong challenger."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen won the French Grand Prix with the team in 1999, and last year Trulli scored a point for Jordan. The pair will be looking for more to re-start their quest for fourth spot in the championship race.