Jordan launched their 2002 contender, the EJ12 in Brussels airport. Story by Shane O' Donoghue.
As Jordan chose to be one of the last teams to publicly launch their 2002 contender, it had to be a good one to keep the launch-weary hacks interested. We were not disappointed!
Rumours have been circulating for quite some time about a new title sponsor in the form of Deutsche Post World Net subsidiary, DHL. This led directly to the high profile unveiling in an aircraft hangar in Brussels airport - DHL's international headquarters. Thankfully, the additional rumour of a team colour change was not substantiated. It would be a shame to lose the yellow "Bitten Heroes" from the F1 grid.
Significantly, terms such as "Bitten Heroes" and "Buzzin' Hornets" came about to be used on the car in place of tobacco advertising in certain countries. Benson & Hedges have stepped down as title sponsor, but are staying with Jordan until tobacco advertising is completely outlawed. They certainly got their money's worth from the Irish team, which has the largest following after Ferrari.
Less that half of the 2002 grid rely on tobacco money now, which is certainly a step in the right direction. Ferrari now has the backing of Vodafone, though the Marlboro brand still adorns the engine cover. McLaren appears to rely heavily on West. BAR is a thinly disguised advert for B.A.T. Renault use Mild Seven money.
Jordan's new car also appears to be a step in the right direction. It is one of the more aesthetically pleasing of the 2002 challengers, with a short, low nose and complex body contouring. Looking closely at the aerodynamic package, Jordan has gone for a more radical approach, no doubt at the hand of technical director Eghbal Hamidy.
As they did with the launch. DHL flew the car into Brussels for the ceremony and even parked the jet dramatically in the hangar next to the surprised crowd. The cargo door opened and the shapely new EJ12 was unloaded onto the stage - dramatic, different and a hard-hitting showcase for DHL.
So, what chance has Jordan GP this year? As a team, they are now mature. They have been competing in Formula One since 1991. Jordan also has a very useful (and valuable) works contract with Honda, though BAR also benefit from this. As ever, eyes will be watching the rivalry between these two teams. No one expects Honda to supply works engines to two teams indefinitely. Last year, Jordan had the potential to seriously trounce BAR, but a series of mechanical failures let the side down, and the feeling is that BAR has caught up. It was very noticeable at the launch how little reference was made to Honda, other than a brief few words about the new wide-angle engine.
It has been said that Sato was hired to satisfy Honda, though the guy is obviously talented and exudes confidence. He is not cocky either, saying that 2002 will be used to try to lift his game to Fisichella's level. Fisi - now he could be one of this season's dark horses. He is certainly an experienced drier and has shone in the past. His term at Benetton may have humbled the fiery Italian spirit in him, but his speed is not in doubt. Let's hope that Jordan can deliver the goods for Giancarlo and not repeat the failures that ruined Jarno Trulli's championship last year.
My realistic prediction for Jordan is a fourth or fifth in the constructor's championship. I doubt that Jordan can continually overhaul Ferrari, McLaren and Williams. I also fully expect BAR to be a very close rival, and Sauber will be keen to hold onto their hard-won fourth place. To make things even more interesting, Renault and Jaguar want a bigger slice of the points pie this year, and who knows what Toyota are going to pull out of the bag.
Weary or not, this writer will certainly be staying up for the first race of the 2002 season.
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