Spanish GP: Jordan Friday practice notes

Race drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Tiago Monteiro, along with test driver, Robert Doornbos, started their race weekend with an almost trouble-free day at the Circuit de Catalunya and completed a normal Friday programme, which consisted of tyre comparisons and evaluation as well as initial car set-up.

All three drivers are enjoying driving on the Circuit de Catalunya, a track familiar to them and are confident that there is more to come from the car over the weekend.

Driver Nick Heidfeld came to the Jordan Grand Prix hospitality to meet Alex Shnaider, new team owner, and to thank him for honoring outstanding debts of Jordan Grand Prix in 2004.

Narain Karthikeyan:

"In the afternoon we have found a better set-up and I feel comfortable with the Bridgestone tyres we are going to use for the weekend. The car is getting better and I am sure there will be some more coming tomorrow and I will be able to improve my lap times."

Tiago Monteiro:

"It was a good day today even though I had some minor problems in the first session which made me lose a bit of time, but in general it was not too difficult as we already know the circuit. We made some good improvements in the car, balance-wise and I am pretty happy with them. It is a pity there were some yellow flags during the afternoon, as we could have been more competitive. The three Jordan Grand Prix drivers are very close to each other which is really good."

Robert Doornbos:

"Today went quite well. My biggest programme this morning was testing Bridgestone tyres, as this circuit is known as being a very abrasive track. Therefore we have to make the right decision on which tyres to use. I had a lot of fun especially in the second session where I pushed really hard with some older tyres and I particularly liked some fast corners which made the driving very challenging."

Trevor Carlin, Sporting director:

"We had two very productive sessions today, with all three drivers completing the different programmes we had, especially testing Bridgestone tyres. We are now facing a tough decision of which tyres to use for the rest of the weekend. However, I am sure we will make the right choice."

Tiago Monteiro
Chassis: EJ15/03
Practice session 1: 13th, 1:20.773, 12 laps
Practice session 2: 19th, 1:19.140, 27 laps

Robert Doornbos
Chassis: EJ15/01
Practice session 1: 14th, 1:20.912, 23 laps
Practice session 2: 18th, 1:19.125, 28 laps

Narain Karthikeyan
Chassis: EJ15/02
Practice session 1: 15th, 1:21.628, 12 laps
Practice session 2: 17th, 1:18.858, 24 laps

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