Bahrain GP: Jordan Friday practice notes

Jordan Grand Prix drivers Tiago Monteiro, Narain Karthikeyan and Robert Doornbos began the weekend with a smooth-running Free Practice day today with no mechanical problems or damage to their cars at the spectacular but demanding 5.417-km Bahrain International Circuit.

They completed their various programmes despite a dusty and sandy surface, which affected grip levels especially in the opening session but improved considerably in the afternoon. Karthikeyan had the quickest lap time of the three.

Tiago Monteiro:

"It is very interesting to go to new tracks as you always have so much to learn and try in a limited amount of time. I am happy with the changes we have made today and the information we have been able to gather for the rest of the weekend. Bridgestone is doing a very good job here and I am pretty confident for tomorrow."

Narain Karthikeyan:

"I really like the circuit here in Bahrain as it suits my style of driving. We have tried some different new parts in the car; they were small changes but they have already made a significant difference. I have been pretty quick so I am happy with my performance today."

Robert Doornbos:

"Today was a good day. I have really enjoyed driving on this challenging circuit. The whole team seems to be working very well here and we are definitely more competitive than in Malaysia. Bridgestone has found a good tyre for the weekend, so everything looks positive at the moment. It is a pity I cannot drive tomorrow."

Trevor Carlin, Sporting director:

"We are very pleased with the way today has gone. We have been through quite a lot of work as the three cars had three different programmes. We have got a reasonable balanced car for Saturday's qualifying and we are very happy with the performance of the whole team in general."

Robert Doornbos
Chassis: EJ15/01
Practice session 1: 14th, 1:35.432, 23 laps
Practice session 2: 19th, 1:34.222, 26 laps

Narain Karthikeyan
Chassis: EJ15/02
Practice session 1: 15th, 1:35.766, 14 laps
Practice session 2: 18th, 1:33.981, 16 laps

Tiago Monteiro
Chassis: EJ15/03
Practice session 1: 16th, 1:36.534, 18 laps
Practice session 2: 21st, 1:34.727, 18 laps

-jordan-