Jaguar has Benetton in its sights for US

Jaguar has notched up just three points finishes this year, the highlight being Eddie Irvine's third place at Monaco in May. With only seven points to its name, and four to make up to closest rival Benetton, the Big Cat has it all to do in the final two rounds of the season.

"Getting two cars into the points has not been an easy task for us all season and we must be realistic going into this race," said team boss Niki Lauda. "I want to set achievable goals and right now that means getting past Benetton-Renault in the championship standings."

Pedro de la Rosa put in an impressive performance in Italy to bag two points with a fifth place. The Spaniard was on the pace all weekend and set the third fastest time during practice on Saturday morning before qualifying. He would like more of the same at Indianapolis, but knows it won't be easy.

"We are aiming to build on the excellent result we achieved in Monza and get even more points in the final two races," said de la Rosa. "We know that it is going to be difficult though."

Unlike his team mate, Irvine has had a recent bad run, having not made it to the chequered flag for the last four consecutive events. The Ulsterman has also been out-qualified by de la Rosa at the last five races.

However, the Jaguar number one is more concerned with putting on a good show in America following the debate as to whether the race should go ahead in the wake of recent events in New York and Washington.

"At the end of the day," said Irvine, "the most important thing will be for all of us to try and put on a good show, given the circumstances under which we are going there."