Jaguar Boss Pleased with Season Performance

Jaguar boss Tony Purnell was pleased with his team's performance this season and said they have achieved all their targets.

The Ford-owned squad underwent a major reshuffle at the end of last season after a dismal year which saw them struggle for race finishes. Things looked brighter this year, and Jaguar have scored a total of 19 points that put them in seventh place in the Constructors' Championship.

Australian Mark Webber, the team's star driver, failed to score in today's Japanese Grand Prix, finishing in 11th position. Teammate Justin Wilson was 13th, leaving Jaguar without the necessary points to jump ahead of Sauber in the standings.

Purnell, nevertheless, was pleased with their performance.

"We began the season with a fast car but one which was unreliable at times and with the benefit of hindsight, we lost points as a consequence," said Purnell. "As the season progressed, however, our competition got quicker and reliable to the extent that today's race was out of our reach.

"That's motor racing and while we have lost out today, I take a lot of pride in the fact that we have achieved the target we began the season with 'respectability.' That was the objective and I'd say we have achieved that. Sauber were fortunate to have bagged ten points in Indianapolis by being out on the right wet tyres at the right time otherwise we would have finished the season in 6th place.

"Nonetheless, the work and effort that has gone into turning this team around must be recognised and the fact that we are on the right path leaves us with a lot to look forward to next year. It is going to be a tough winter but we will come out kicking and fighting in 2004."