The EJ12's high nose is a problem

The new Jordan chassis has an unusual seating position because of its ultra-high nose. Sato says is having difficulty making himself comfortable in the new car.
"Don't get me wrong," Sato told Autosport Magazine this week, "the car's a very good one and I've been impressed by it's overall performance, but it's giving me back pains every time I drive it.”

Sato believes his problems are being caused by the car's ultra-high nose that's resulted in an unusual seating position.
"It's very awkward. Your legs are very high up and it feels almost as though you are doing sit-ups in the air," he says, attempting to describe it.

Sato has so far struggled with the EJ12 in Barcelona testing. On Wednesday he was 1.5s slower than F1 novice Marcel Lasée, who was driving last year’s EJ11.

The seat position is putting pressure on his back and causing pain and because of it Sato has spent part of his testing hours out on the Catalunya circuit this week working on a solution to his problem.

Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella is far more happy with the new car.
"I am very excited. Last year, when I drove the new Benetton for the first time, it was a disaster to be honest. I was confused and it was very difficult,” he said. "This year, after a few laps, I could feel the difference and the Jordan was much nicer to drive. The car is better in high-speed corners and there is a little bit more downforce."