Lauda Admits to Mistakes as Jaguar Struggle

Jaguar Racing team principal Niki Lauda defended the performance of the new R3B on Saturday and said the disappointing debut of the car was down to mistakes in strategy in qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Ulsterman Eddie Irvine qualified in 19th place, with Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa last on the grid in 21st after the maiden showing of the R3B failed to fire the Milton Keynes-based team up the grid.

But Lauda refused to be critical of the new machine and instead insisted that mistakes from the team during the qualifying hour was the main reason for the below-par performances.

"We didn't get the car going at its absolute best which is what we are always trying to do," Lauda said. "So it was our own mistake today. We didn't get it right and that is that. We made mistakes in what we did and that is why we are where we are.

"It was just a mistake and it is not a case of wishing that we could start the season again from day one."