Formula One: Stewart-Ford Notes and Quotes, Luxembourg Preview
24 September 1998
STEWART-FORD NOTES AND QUOTES1998 Luxembourg Grand Prix - Nurburgring
Wednesday 23rd September: PREVIEW
Alan Jenkins, Technical Director:
'The new Nurburgring, built alongside the original 14.1-mile version last used in 1976, was unveiled for the 1984 European GP. The new circuit was a step forward in safety but inevitable comparisons branded it a bit bland and boring. However I can perhaps be forgiven for thinking otherwise because for that inaugural event I was race engineering for Alain Prost who won in the McLaren TAG Porsche MP4/2. Last year's race at N?rburgring was also set for a McLaren victory until both cars retired from leading positions. A similar fate befell both Stewart- Fords which at the time were running well - with Rubens in second place and Jan Magnussen holding fourth. We are hoping for similar speed but improved reliability this year and will be striving to pick up some more Championship points before the season's end. This is the first race since the Ford purchase of Cosworth Racing was made official - an exciting development for Cosworth engineers and Stewart Grand Prix. Technical co-operation between Cosworth and SGP engineers is already very close and the further involvement of Ford substantially increases the performance potential for future Stewart-Ford Formula One cars.'
Martin Whitaker, Ford European Director of Motorsport:
'The Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago was a trouble-free weekend for us and ended with another top 10 finish for Rubens. We were pleased with the introduction of the new Series 6 version of the Zetec-R V10. The engine, which was used by both drivers during Saturday's running, features a combination of new components that result in improved performance throughout the rev range. Both Rubens and Jos were impressed with the engine's power and driveability. We plan to have two more engines available in N?rburgring which will be used throughout Saturday. Since the Italian Grand Prix, Ford has completed the purchase of Cosworth Racing and appointed Dick Scammell as Managing Director - a move which heralds a new era in the highly productive partnership between Ford and Cosworth.'
