Speaking about his role within the team for 2002, the Japanese ace explained he is happy to learn as much as he can from his new teammate and knows that Fisichella will be the lead driver. He also pointed out that his aim is to be as fast as the Italian by the year end – and then expects to be treated as an equal.

"What I'm understanding is that Jordan Grand Prix is a very fair team so I will probably have the same conditions as Giancarlo,” he explained. "Of course he has got a lot more experience than me and he is a really strong driver so he is leading the team.
But I can learn so many things from him and I think we have to work together to develop the car and for myself to become strong as well. For the end of the year I want to be strong enough and quick enough to be the same as Giancarlo. This is the big target for me.”