Jordan put on brave face

Jordan put on brave face

Fisichella was robbed of a win

Driver profile: Giancarlo Fisichella

Jordan have tried to look on the bright side of losing out on victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella was leading the race when it was stopped after 55 chaotic laps but the rules say the result is counted back two laps before - when Kimi Raikkonen was leading for McLaren.

Team boss Eddie Jordan was seen celebrating in the pit lane when the initial results were given, naming Fisichella as the victor.

It would have been the first win of the Italian driver's career.

Gary Anderson, Jordan's director of engineering, said: "It is obviously disappointing. But if somebody had said we would be second before the race we would have taken that.

"He did lead across the line and it's a pity it wasn't a lap longer. The regulations are the regulations and it has to be done for safety."

Giancarlo must be the most talented driver ever in the history of Grand Prix not to have won a race

Eddie Jordan

Fisichella said: "I am a little bit disappointed because I could have won the race but for the rules, but we didn't believe we could get on to the podium today so it is fantastic."

To add insult to injury, Fisichella's car caught fire in the pit lane at the end of the race.

Jordan, who needed an injection of funds from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to make it onto the grid this season, managed to get Fisichella into such a strong position with a combination of clever tactics, the right tyres and great driving.

The Italian stopped for tyres and fuel on lap eight and drove a skillful, careful race as others crashed around him - including five-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Fisichella insisted in the post-race news conference that he would almost certainly not have had to stop for more fuel even if the race had run its full distance.

Team owner Eddie Jordan said: "We were 50 seconds from glory. We could have won the race had it not been stopped with the strategy we had.

"It could have been a fairytale. But if someone had told me we would have been on the podium here I would have had them certified in an institution.

"It must be heartbreak for Giancarlo, I think I felt more for him than anyone.

"We have all witnessed winning and Giancarlo must be the most talented driver ever in the history of Grand Prix not to have won a race."