By Phil Giles (04-02-03)
February 4 2003

Ralph Firman was today confirmed as Jordan's second driver, beating off competition from the likes of Felipe Massa and Anthony Davidson to a three year deal with the team.

Eddie Jordan said, “He may be a rookie in F1 terms but Ralph brings a lot of racing experience and a formidable track record along with his enthusiasm and commitment. I’m impressed with his very cool and disciplined approach and I have a lot of confidence that he and Fisichella will be an awesome partnership on the track. The news that Ralph has joined us, allied to other important developments, means that Jordan Ford is a force to be reckoned with in 2003, and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Ralph said, “I am thrilled to have this chance to race in Formula One especially as it is with Jordan, one of the few teams to have won Grand Prix in recent years. It’s also a team that has brought many notable names into Formula One and I can see that it’s an extremely friendly and professional operation. Although this will be my first season, I have worked hard to build up my experience whilst racing in Japan, so although F1 will be something new I feel ready and quite comfortable with it. I am really looking forward to going to Melbourne next month.”

Pictures from the signing show an extremely large Benson and Hedges logo.  It would appear that the team have been given a substantial financial boost by this signing and Jordan Fans Online hopes that Eddie's fine tradition of signing new talent continues.  Eddie feels that Jordan will be a force to be reckoned with this year and given the testing performance of the EJ13 I feel that we have a wonderful year in prospect.