Jaguar aims to secure sixth

The outfit lies sixth in the standings with only the Suzuka race to go and that is where Jaguar hopes to stay. It would better the results of the past two years, when the team finished ninth and eighth respectively.

Team boss Niki Lauda said: "Suzuka is an important race for us, not only because it is an opportunity to secure sixth position in the constructors' championship, but it will allow us to collect important race data on the R3 in preparation for next year's challenger."

Sauber is three points ahead in fifth place, while the Honda-powered teams, Jordan and British American, are tied for seventh, just one point behind Jaguar.

Eddie Irvine looked set to add to the team's tally in the United States GP, only to find himself off the pace in qualifying.

"We have not made any changes on the car since Indy and Suzuka will really be the first opportunity to run the car at a high downforce circuit," he said.

"The last three circuits have suited us well so it will be interesting to see how we go this weekend. I go to Suzuka upbeat, encouraged and hungry for points."