Jordan Grand Prix has begun its 2005 preparations with a four day test in Jerez, completing over 1500km of work from 1 to 4 December with chassis EJ14-01 with bodywork to the new 2005 aerodynamic regulations and a 2004 specification EJ14-04. The test was plagued by wet weather which meant the team was not able to carry out any productive work in dry track conditions, being restricted to wet weather tyre work and wet set-up evaluation. The FIA's aerodynamic regulations for 2005 intend to slow all cars for safety reasons and include a higher front wing, the rear wing brought forward and a modified rear diffuser and floor. The regulations also stipulate that only one set of tyres may be used for qualifying and the race; consequently Bridgestone are conducting an extensive tyre test programme with harder compounds for 2005. Most of Jordan's programme concentrated on testing for the new tyre and bodywork regulations, with additional work on car set-up and driver controls.
James Robinson said, "We were very disappointed with the weather as it's very unusual to have so many days of consistent rain this far south on the Spanish peninsula. We had a lot of work to do: having modified a 2004 car to the latest 2005 regulations and wanting to run it in anger in order to learn about the car and its behaviour and do a large amount of tyre work for Bridgestone. As they supply only three teams now, we are in an important position and wanted to rack up as many kilometres as possible to assist with their extensive programme. Most of the test was wet which limited our work but as it happens in those conditions the Bridgestone tyre worked very well.
"We worked through some of our programme on the chassis, but in wet conditions it's difficult to put the full load through the car and one must be very cautious with any conclusions drawn. I believe only three teams including us had 2005 specification cars running - we felt it was an important step to make because to help develop tyres you have to run the level of downforce expected for 2005. We collected some useful data and it was constructive for Robert to get that much mileage under his belt. He understands the differences between the 2004 and 2005 specs and while running day after day consistently putting in the F1 miles is new to him, he worked very well at it. Christijan also put in a good performance on his first F1 outing."
Robert Doornbos said, "This was my first test apart from at three Grands Prix last season so it was good to get more time and miles in an F1 car. It was a really good test in terms of collecting information and we were focusing on that rather than lap times. Overall I'm satisfied with how things went - we all learned a lot about the car and the new regulations. I now feel much more comfortable in the car and the extra miles are reflected in my performance and handling. It's a shame the weather interfered so much with our work."
Christijan Albers, "I would like to thank Eddie Jordan and Trust for helping me with this testing opportunity. I'm very happy - under changing conditions we did a good amount of mileage and I hope I showed my speed. Though I'd never driven in this car and on this track before, I found my rhythm easily. It's a shame that due to the rain we couldn't go as quick as I wanted, but I hope to be able to show that another time."
