Toyota power to arrive this week

Special Delivery
By Phil Giles
January 10 2005

Reuters report today that Jordan are due to take delivery of their first Toyota engines later this week, to ready the EJ15 for the 2005 race season.

Reuters report today that Jordan are due to take delivery of their first Toyota engines later this week, to ready the EJ15 for the 2005 race season.

Jordan's new technical director, Mark Smith said :"The EJ15 is essentially a development of the EJ14 with a Toyota engine installation and to the new regulations, once we are able to move forward from this start point, the plan is to look at a significant development mid-season."

"I would be very cautious about expectations for the first races of 2005 but I am confident that we can start really doing something once the season is under way so don't be hasty in writing us off." he continued.

Toyota's Engine Department head, Luca Marmorini said "I think it will be a struggle for them and for us.  We started in the middle of November needing to be ready in Melbourne with a car. So if we go there and the performance is good, it will be a fantastic technical result for our group and Eddie.  I am sure that the car will be ready for the first race. Then we hope that it will be ready in the right way and can also be a fast car and also that we can do enough tests to get the best out of the engine."

The team are expected to debut an interim car within the next few weeks, probably at the Silverstone Circuit, just across the road from the Factory.  The team will then perform an intensive two week test before the cars head out to Melbourne for the first race of the season.

Jordan already have a mock up of the engine so that they can put together a preliminary chassis revealed Marmorini. "From a technical point of view it is a nice challenge and we have been really impressed with how quick and flexible they are.  I feel a big responsibility to give them what they are expecting." he said.

"We have to release a lot of information to them and in the same way we get a lot of info from them as well, so it is a positive situation."

Clearly there is a lot of work to be finalised within the next few weeks at Jordan.  Least of all is sorting out who will drive the interim car at the first test.  Smart money says that either Timo Glock or Robert Dornobos will take the wheel for the team but as yet, Jordan have yet to sign a driver.

Jordan's spokesperson said: "We're talking to a lot of different people.  It's no secret that we're looking for someone who is going to attract sponsorship but there's no shortage of candidates and we are keeping our options open."