Jordan's Weekend is a complete disaster.

Testing Times
By Bigpip
July 22 2002

Jordan's French Grand Prix was a total washout from start to finish. Only one driver made it to the race and he didn't finish it. Takuma Sato managed one third of the race while Giancarlo had to sit the race out on medical grounds.

Giancarlo's troubles started during warm up on Friday after he was involved in a huge accident. Despite a thought that he may be replaced by Arrow's Heinz Harald Frentzen, Giancarlo didn't run in qualifying and was told not to race by Sid Watkins, the FIA's doctor.  Heinz's legal proceedings against Jordan meant that only one EJ12 would run at Magny-Cours.

TAKUMA SATO
"The start was good and I was side by side with Olivier going into Turn One. Unfortunately Olivier turned in on me, we tangled, and there was nowhere for me to go except onto the gravel. That damaged the barge board and underneath of the car, causing huge understeer and it was difficult to stay on the circuit. I tried, but coming into the last corner I lost grip and the car just went straight onto the gravel. This weekend has been very tough for us, particularly with Giancarlo's accident. We're so pleased he's okay and I'm looking ahead to Hockenheim now."

EDDIE JORDAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
"This weekend has been a disaster. The sooner we move on to the next race, the better."

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA
"I watched the race on TV at home, it was a shame to see Takuma retire. I am fine today after a good night's sleep. My headache has gone and I just have a little bit of a sore neck. I want to say thank you to Sid Watkins, the circuit medical team and air ambulance crew as they did a great job very quickly. I would also like to thank the doctors at the hospital in Nevers where I had full scans and of course the team doctor and physiotherapist from our sponsor vielife."