SEPTEMBER 1, 2000

Jordan set to celebrate decade of Formula One

JORDAN have promised a party to remember as they will celebrate a decade of Formula One racing this weekend at the Donington Park circuit.

Team boss Eddie Jordan will be joined by current drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli, along with past pilots Andrea de Cesaris and John Watson as the team celebrate 10-years in Grand Prix racing.

Jordan has also confirmed that top Irish boy-band Westlife will top the bill of a concert at the circuit after the 10 Formula One race cars used by the team over the years have been displayed on the track.

"Looking back over the years, we have contributed significantly to Formula One," Jordan said. "We've had some memorable moments along the way - Andrea De Cesaris so nearly won our first race at Spa in 1991 - some fantastic moments and some I'd sooner forget. To be here celebrating a decade of motor racing in Formula One makes it all worthwhile."

Jordan have won three Grands Prix, with Damon Hill grabbing the maiden victory at Spa in 1998 and Frentzen winning in France and Italy last year. Jordan also gave double World Champion Michael Schumacher his debut in F1 in Belgium in 1991.

It was a period of his career that Schumacher will never forget. The German said: "I remember testing with Jordan for the first time at Silverstone. For me, it was a nightmare. I was so worried about the car. I did three laps and I did not know what I could do. I was thinking -- can I ever drive this thing at Spa?

"But I managed it. I did not think I could. Those first three laps, I could have needed a nappy. It was that bad for me."

And as for Jordan, Schumacher jovially added: "I wish he would stop using that bad English word that starts with an F!.

"He uses it too much! He is a great man and a funny man. To be honest, everyone knows what Eddie has done. He has done a lot for the sport of Formula One, he has done great things for his team and he has done a lot for many drivers. He has been a really good man for F1 and we have all got a lot to thank him for."

Jordan will also use the event to launch a new soft drink onto the market. The drink, called "EJ10" is made from natural ingredients and Jordan commercial director Ian Phillips said: "It's a health-drink with a motor racing kick to it."

The new Jordan drink is the start of a line of Jordan branding and shows how Jordan has developed during their time in Formula One. "We have gone from having a soft-drink sponsor to having our own brand in ten years," said Phillips.