The F1 rulebook denied the Jordan team a win in its 200th grand prix, but Giancarlo Fisichella was magnanimous in defeat.
The F1 rulebook denied the Jordan team a win in its 200th grand prix, but Giancarlo Fisichella was magnanimous in defeat.
The Italian had just overtaken McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen to lead the race when the red flags came out following Renault driver Fernando Alonso’s massive accident on Lap 53.
There were scenes of jubilation in the pit lane as Jordan mechanics and staff celebrated what they thought was the Italian’s maiden grand prix win. However, it was declared that the positions a lap earlier would count as the race result – and Raikkonen was leading the race at that point.
“I thought I had won the race and I still think I am the winner but rules are rules. I would never have thought I would finish in 2nd today so I am pleased. I want to say thanks to the team – it’s an important result for us and it’s positive for the future,” Fisichella said.
“I have had a fantastic day. Obviously I am disappointed not to get the chance to do one more lap so I could have finished first but being second is really good for me and the team,” he added.
Team boss Eddie Jordan added: “The most important thing today was the fantastic spectacle with lots of excitement. Obviously there was disappointment for some but this was our day.
“I thought we had a chance to win it particularly towards the end when Giancarlo passed Raikkonen. We were the quickest car at the track and it was fantastic.
“If you had asked me would I have expected a podium in Brazil I would have said you are out of your mind – but it happened. I’m so happy for Giancarlo to be on the podium here,” Jordan said.