By Jordan Press Office
May 17 2005

Jordan Grand Prix is eager to race at Monaco, as the unpredictability of the circuit is a characteristic which suits the team and can offer the hope of a better result even though this is one track where overtaking is virtually impossible. Regular driver Tiago Monteiro and third driver Robert Doornbos know the circuit from having driven there in F3000 in the past and both are looking forward to their return here this weekend, the first time behind the wheel of an F1 contender.

“It is very exciting to go to Monaco, one of the biggest names in Formula One and a dangerous circuit. It is very special for a racing driver to go there. The preparation for Monaco is very important: not only the car has to be well set-up but also the way you prepare yourself mentally. More than in any other places, you need to have everything ready before you go in the car,” Tiago said. “A single little mistake in the car can have serious consequences; therefore you need to be concentrated at 100% all the time. I think this is a race where we can be good and with a bit of luck we could maybe score a point. I want to keep up with my good result in Barcelona. Usually I have always loved driving on street circuits. When I was in Champ Car, eight out of 19 races were street tracks and I did get on well. So we will see in Monaco in a Formula One car.”

“I am really looking forward to going to Monaco, as probably all drivers are in the paddock. It is the most famous street circuit in the world and it is very exciting to drive there,” added Doornbos. “I raced there last year in F3000 and I have always enjoyed driving on street circuits as you can feel the speed. It is very challenging for a driver not to make any mistakes and stay concentrated the whole time. So I will make sure I am very fit and do a good job on Thursday.”

Although fellow teammate Narain Karthikeyan has never raced in Monte Carlo, this will not be his first street race, as he had good results in Macao when he was driving in F3 and now he cant wait for his first taste of the famous track…

“I cannot wait to drive in Monaco as normally I go well on street circuits. I was fast at Macao when I was racing in F3,” the Indian racer said. “Monaco has a great heritage. The race will be hard for the Bridgestone tyres but above all for the gearbox because we change gears so often in Monaco. Qualifying will also be crucial, as there is nearly no room for overtaking; but I am ready for the challenge.”

“It will be the first time for our three drivers on this demanding circuit in a Formula One car. Narain, Tiago and Robert have performed very well in the past in street circuits in junior formulas. Therefore I expect Jordan Grand Prix to do better than on traditional tracks and with fantastic reliability from Toyota, we hope to be around at the finish and maybe get some points,” added Trevor Carlin Sporting Director.

In the lead up to this event, Jordan carried an aerodynamic evaluation test at Santa Pod on Friday 13 May with test driver Nicky Pastorelli.