Monteiro to debut new Jordan

Only one new Jordan EJ15B, entrusted to Tiago Monteiro

After three days of private testing last week where it did not encounter even the smallest problem, the Jordan Grand Prix team has headed to Italy for round fifteen on the 2005 agenda with fresh hopes as the first car to be developed at the Silverstone based factory, under the 2005 aero rules and regulations will finally make it's race debut in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

Tiago Monteiro.

Photo by Alessio Morgese.

However, at this stage just one new EJ15B chassis is available and that has been entrusted to the rookie driver who has completed every race this season, Tiago Monteiro. The Portuguese driver is thrilled that he will have the new car for the 'temple of speed' as he is confident that the new version is definitely faster.

"It is always difficult to switch over from a version than you have controlled for a long time, but I think that we will be faster with the EJ15B. We will gain in the braking department - where the car has always been a little nervous - and also in the entry and exit of the corners, thanks to better stability. The laps carried out last week at Monza were held without the smallest issue and therefore our moral has been boosted!" he smiles.

At Monza, where 70% of the lap takes place with their foot to the floor, to have a reliable and powerful engine is an asset for any driver and Tiago knows he can count on Toyota in this department.

"My problems in Hungary means when I changed engines means that I can head into Monza with a fresh one, which is always a positive factor on such a fast layout," he explains. "Last week, we tested as many tyres that Bridgestone could give us and I think that they will be competitive in Italy."

-dca-