By Shane Murphy
February 4 2005

It's been said that Narain Karthikeyan is "the fastest Indian on wheels" & Tiago Monteiro has done well with Carlin Motorsport winning races in the Nissan Dallara World series. Neither driver has any F1 experience [appart from F1 tests] & both will need to be granted a super licence by the FIA. The Jordan site continues with quoted from both new drivers:

Tiago Monteiro said, "I’m more than excited to be part of Jordan Grand Prix this season. I have worked hard each season to be able to race one day in F1 and I really want to make the most out of this to thank everyone who helped put me here today. Portugal was waiting for a F1 driver for nearly ten years and the fact that I'm going to represent my country and the Portuguese culture all over the world makes me proud and gives me so much motivation. I have also a special thought for all my friends and supporters in France where I have done most of my racing career. It’s great to start with Jordan and the addition of Midland and all the Carlin people I have been racing with is a big plus.”

Narain Karthikeyan said, "My aim has always been to compete in F1, it is where no Indian driver has been before. I’ve got the hopes of a nation behind me so I’ve no choice but to succeed now. I have tested with three different Formula 1 teams at various circuits and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got so I am confident that this is going to be a good year for me. "