Firman has a lot to learn

Jordan new boy Ralph Firman admits that he still has a lot to learn in Formula One and knows only hard work will get him where he wants to be. The British F1 rookie, who won the Formula Nippon championship last year, has only finished one of the ...

Jordan new boy Ralph Firman admits that he still has a lot to learn in Formula One and knows only hard work will get him where he wants to be. The British F1 rookie, who won the Formula Nippon championship last year, has only finished one of the three races this year. In Australia and Brazil he suffered suspension failure but managed a creditable tenth in the wearing conditions in Malaysia.

Ralph Firman in Jordan garage.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"I just need to knuckle down and keep going in the right direction, making little steps forward all the time," said Firman, according to the BBC. "It's harder on the neck than a Nippon car. The muscles have to be stronger. Formula Nippon really gets you prepared physically for F1 but technically, the only thing you need is miles under your belt."

"I've still got a lot to learn and I still haven't got a handle on tyres. I know how I want the car I just haven't got an idea how to get that just yet."

Jordan was one of four teams that opted for Friday testing on race weekends, along with Minardi, Renault and Jaguar. Having spent the last few years in Japan, Firman finds that helpful as it gives him a chance to get used to circuits he's unfamiliar with.

"It does gives me more laps in the car," he said. "I've only tested at Barcelona I've hardly raced at any European circuits. I guess once you become 100% comfortable with the car it's easier and quicker to learn circuits. I'm trying to learn two things at the same time still."