By Phil Giles
February 24 2003

Jordan are to run the EJ13 at Silverstone for the first time on the Grand Prix Circuit this Wednesday. Both Giancarlo Fisichella and rookie Ralph Firman are to take the wheel for what maybe the last test session before the team ships out to Australia for the first race of the season.

Rumour alleges that Jordan will be up against the likes of Jaguar and Renault for the day. 

Ralph is to clock up further mileage in preparation for his first Formula One Grand Prix and isn't fazed that he's come into a well established team and of course the Drivers Driver of the Year 2002.

"It's great for me to have Giancarlo as a team-mate. Everyone regards him as a very quick driver.  I'm looking forward to learning from him, but that doesn't mean that throughout the year I won't be pushing him and trying to out-qualify him. Obviously, that's my target." said Ralph.

Under no illusions, Ralph added 'I need to show well if I want to join that list of greats and I can't see any reason why I can't.'

When he was asked who he would like to emulate in Formula One, there was only one choice for the chappie from Norfolk and it wasn't going to be Michael Schumacher.

"If there is one man I'd like to emulate, it's Ayrton."

Ayrton drove for his fathers Van Diemen Formula Ford team with great success. 

"It was great to have him around the house,  I suppose my interest in motor sport was kindled by having a man like Ayrton around. Because of him, I probably took more of an interest in motor racing than other people."

I'm quite sure that you're not the only one Ralph.