Jordan return for Doornbos
Robert Doornbos will be back in the cockpit for Jordan this week, according to the Dutchman’s official website. Doornbos, the team’s third driver at the 2004 Chinese, Japanese and Brazilian Grands Prix, will head up their first test of the winter at Jerez in Spain.
“I’m very proud to have been asked by the team to support them in their development programme for next year,” said Doornbos. “In the last few weeks I’ve prepared myself both mentally as physically might such challenges arise.
Jordan will be working closely with tyre suppliers Bridgestone during the four-day session, which begins on Wednesday, as well as evaluating new aerodynamic configurations for the forthcoming EJ15.
“We plan to do a good amount of mileage this week in order to collect as much relevant technical data as possible,” added Doornbos. “Therefore our focus will not go out to lap times as the new car will run with the new (restricted) 2005 aerodynamic package.”
Joining Doornbos for the first day at Jerez will be fellow Dutchman Christijan Albers, who also tested for Minardi last week. Both men will be at the wheel of interim EJ14 chassis powered by 2004 specification Cosworth engines.
Doornbos, who finished third in the 2004 Formula 3000 championship, showed some promising form during his Grand Prix outings with Jordan earlier in the year. In his final Friday practice session at Interlagos he was 13th fastest out of 25 drivers, comfortably outpacing team racers Nick Heidfeld and Timo Glock.
“We were really impressed with Robert’s testing work with us at the last three Grands Prix of the 2004 season and I’m glad to see him continue work with us on the winter test programme,” commented team boss Eddie Jordan.
