On Friday morning, Robert Doornbos was presented as Jordan Grand Prix's official third and reserve test driver for the upcoming Formula One season. Robert gives his reaction to everything that has happened in the last couple of weeks as well sharing his prospects for 2005.
Are you happy about your 2005 agreement with Jordan, knowing you will be driving in one weeks time, in Melbourne?
Robert Doornbos: "Yes, I definitely am! On from December last year, we've been very busy securing a Formula One seat and therefore it feels just fantastic to continue working with the team! Just like my F1 debut in China last year, I also got the nod quite late this time. Though it seems beginning to look like 'standard procedure', I'd rather not make it my personal trademark, ha ha! As I'll drive the team's third car during all 19 Grand Prix, I'm looking forward to an exciting and instructive year in which I will continuous develop both the car and my own skills."
When did you meet up with your new teammates and team management?
RD: "After I arrived in Moscow last Thursday, I went out for dinner with Mr. Shnaider, Dr. Kolles, Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan. I knew Dr. Kolles from the F3 EuroSeries and Narain from my last visit to the Macau F3 Grand Prix. Everyone is really congenial, but at the same time very focused on 2005. It was good to see that we all have our minds set for the same direction. In the break between the Australian and the Malaysian Grand Prix we all stay oversea to complete a joint fitness programme in Kuala Lumpur."
How have you prepared for Melbourne?
RD: "Though the last couple of days I was on cloud nine, I'm now already with my mind back at the first Grand Prix. During the winter months, I kept myself fully concentrated on both my physical and mental preparation in the Formula Medicine gym in Viareggio, Italy. Therefore I feel now completely ready for my next F1 test and I'm eager to travel to Down Under!"
What is your goal for the Melbourne test sessions?
RD: "My fist aim is to get comfortable in the car again and to get some more mileage and feeling with it. After I tested for Jordan Grand Prix the last time around (December 01-04), many things have been further developed. Not only have I not driven the new car before, I also haven't got any experience with the new Toyota engine and the latest Bridgestone tyres. Another important challenge for me is to get and deliver optimum feedback of the tyres, as that will be the most important issue in F1 this year. I hope that with my work on Friday I can be a big help for my teammates for the remainder of the weekend."
Anything else you want to add?
RD: "Yes, I would like to thank everyone who kept supporting me during these hectic winter months. That really meant a lot to me! Next to this, I would of course like to thank everyone at Midland and Jordan Grand Prix for having faith in me and special thanks go out to my sponsor and good friend Harry Muermans. But I also have to mention Eddie Jordan. Both last and this year he was from great benefit to me, as pushed really hard behind the scenes to continue our relationship. Many thanks to you all. I'll make sure you won't have any regrets!"
