Ralf backs up Jordan's claims

(30-Oct-98) - Ralf Schumacher has backed up his boss's claims that he could
win the Japanese Grand Prix by setting the second fastest time in Friday's
free practice.

The Williams-bound Jordan driver finished the session just behind his
double world champion brother Michael and two places ahead of championship
challenger Mika Hakkinen. Team boss Eddie Jordan claimed only days ago that
Ralf could win in Japan and leave the team on a high note.

Despite his performance, Schumacher believes he is unlikely to repeat his
performance in qualifying tommorrow: "Second place looks really good
but I think it is unrealistic to think we can hold onto this
tomorrow."

He is hoping that Mugen-Honda's new engine will make the difference despite
both Jordan's suffering engine problems during today's practice.

"Perhaps with the support we will get from the new Mugen-Honda
qualifying engine it is possible. In any case, we should perform
well," said Schumacher.

"The balance of the car is very good, but we will try and find even
more improvements for tomorrow. It certainly helps that I know the circuit
very well from my days racing here in Formula Nippon. Although racing an F1
car around this circuit is very different, I feel quite at home on the
track."

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