Q: You are competing in the New York marathon. Why are you so keen to do it and has it always been a dream of yours to compete in such an event?
A: I've always wanted to participate in something like this, in fact, I have always been keen to participate in the London marathon but it clashes with the Formula One season so it is hard for me to do that. It is something I have been thinking about for a while and it is free to run so I thought why not give it a go. I enjoy all kinds of sport in general and I am devoted to my fitness so this is one way of keeping me in top shape. I'm looking forward to the challenge it will present me and I can't wait for it, I'm really excited.
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Q: What training have you undertaken in advance of the event and will the demands of Formula One have helped you prepare for the marathon?
A: Usually I do a lot of gym work anyway. I have always enjoyed going to the gym and that has helped me to prepare for the run, but I have also done a lot of running and circuit work. Of course being in Formula One you have to be fit anyway, but I am very cautious about my fitness. I have been preparing myself well and doing a lot of exercises to keep me in shape.
Q: Looking back at the Formula One season, you did not have the best season in your first year with Jordan. How disappointing was that?
A: I think without a doubt it has been a very disappointing year for me and the Jordan team because of the high expectations that were surrounding us since the beginning of the season. I still believe, however, that we as a team have so much potential and so does the car. But I feel, at the end of the day, we were let down by reliability problems at the start of the season which didn't serve us too well. We also suffered a bit of bad luck, which meant that we didn't get the results we needed. But there have been some pleasing moments for us. I was pleased to get on the front row on two occasions and we ended up being the only team to split the Ferrari and McLaren team on the front row of the grid, so that was extremely pleasing.
Q: You have another year with the team. Will the Honda engine deal help you, and the team, overcome the disappointment of 2000?
A: I believe that the Honda deal will be key to the success of Jordan next season, and that they will be a big boost to the team. They are big on success and they will be working closely with us to hopefully enable us to build a bigger and better team and take us to victory next season.
Q: Regarding your future, where do you see that lying? Would you like to stay at Jordan or is it out of your hands where you will be going?
A: For next year I am happy being at Jordan, they are a great team with big potential but as for the future I will be looking at that at a later date. I enjoy driving for the team and I'm actively looking forward to the 2001 season because of the new engine, which I believe will enhance our chances of a better season.
