Jaguar’s cubs talk up title fight

Lotter and Courtney were announced as the team's drivers for 2001 at the launch of the new Jaguar R2 Formula 1 car in Coventry on Tuesday. The young duo both expect to finish the year on top, but Jaguar Racing CEO has issued a caution to his young cubs.

"Our aim is to be one-two at the end of the year," said Rahal at the Autosport International 2001 Show, "but we have one golden rule: don't take each other off!"

Lotterer, who competed in German Formula 3 last year, has already driven the Jaguar R1 during a test at Barcelona before Christmas and is already eyeing a move up to the F1 team.

"Of course it is my intention to win the championship. That is the next step. The F1 team already has a development driver with Tomas Scheckter, but if I get the opportunity, for sure I'd love to do it."

Courtney won last year's Formula Ford Championship and has circuit knowledge over his German team mate. The young Australian is similarly bullish and is also aiming for the top slot come the final round at Silverstone in October.

I'm looking to win the championship in my first year," said Courtney. "He knows the cars and I know the circuits, so it should be interesting."

The pair are set to go head-to-head for the first time during a four-day test at the Jarama circuit in Spain next month.