Suzuka review

Published on 21 October 2001 by Verstappen Info Page

Earlier this week Jos returned from Japan where the F1 season ended. A little tired he looked back at last weeks' events. "It will be a bit quiet now but plenty to do before 1 January. In November I will start my winter training programme with Simon Jones and besides that I still have my sponsor duties at home and abroad. I am not participating in the WC Karting in Kerpen at Michaels'. I would have like to but I have to travel to the factory this week and next week. We are working very hard on the new 2002 car with new Cosworth engines. In January the first test will take place, at least that is planned. We will be two weeks behind schedule then but that is not too bad. Selling the wind tunnel has no consequences for the development of the A23 according to Tom Walkinshaw. He ensured me that we get plenty of hours in the tunnel.”

Did you do some nice things in Japan? "Yes, we went to Jean ALesi's party. Very good. Jean is a great guy, I like him. The fans in Japan make me feel good, they are great. Since I started in Formula 1 there is one fan who is always waiting for me in the lobby of the hotel. Yimi Ooka is completely mad about me. Raymond gave her some Dutch Devil and poster magazines; she was absolutely over the moon! Things like that please me.”