07/07/2005
NEWS STORY
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Silverstone, and the British Grand Prix, has special significance for Jordan fans.
Its factory, located opposite the legendary track's main entrance, for Jordan, Silverstone was, quite literally, a 'home race'.
As we look ahead to the 2004 event, there will surely be a number of Jordan fans that will, at some point over the weekend, wipe a tear from the corner of their eye, as they reminisce days gone by… the highs, the lows, the post-race parties, the factory visits and the passion inspired by charismatic team founder, Eddie Jordan.
This year's race will be entirely different, for Eddie Jordan has sold out and moved on, indeed according to our sources, he is now looking closely at fronting a consortium interested in purchasing the franchise for an Irish A1 GP entry.
Although the cars still bear his name, and to all intents and purposes are still the Jordans we knew and loved - complete with yellow livery - the team is entirely different from that which ran here in 2004.
The team is now owned by Alex Shnaider, a Russian who emigrated to Canada, and of whom little is known.
When Shnaider took control of the team in early 2005, the team - what was left of it - was in chaos, and it is a miracle that the team was able to turn up on the grid in Melbourne. Yes, the results have been difficult, but considering the position the team had been left in, the recovery has been remarkable.
Whether Shnaider bit off more than he could chew, in buying Jordan, is not known, however, it is unlikely that the Canadian billionaire was fully aware of just how expensive F1 really is. However, little by little the team is being rebuilt ahead of a full re-launch in 2006, when the ghost of Jordan can finally be laid to rest.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's big race, Shnaider finally goes public and talks about the progress being made. "Everything is going according to plan," he says. "At the end of this year we will re-brand the team to Midland F1. Next year it will be a global team with a distinct Russian flavour.
"We will take all the positive things that we've learned this year and we will improve the team for next year."
There have been a number of rumours since Shnaider took control, with suggestions in recent weeks that former F1 driver, Eddie Irvine, was putting together a consortium to take control of the team. It was said that Shnaider had become disillusioned with Jordan, and indeed F1.
"We remain committed to the sport and to the team," says Shnaider. "The sport is going through a difficult time now, but from another point of view, TV viewership is increasing this year. The sport is becoming more interesting, what with the new regulations, the competition is more interesting. So we are committed to it, we are committed to the team and we are committed to turn the team around and to make the team more successful next year.
"Formula 1 is an incredible sport," he continues, genuinely enthusiastic. "Just to give you an example; I had many friends that were never fans of Formula 1, and they couldn't understand why I have been always a fan, and when I bought the team many of them were very curious.
"Then they began coming with me to races, and soon they were following the sport. Now they have become huge fans of Formula 1, and keep asking me to take them to more races, they keep following the sport on TV and newspapers, asking me all kinds of questions non-stop.
"Many people that have never been to Formula 1, once they see a race, once they attend a race, they become instantly hooked on it because it's incredible," he continues, "the technology, the cars, the speed, the noise, it's incredible, and it's a great, great sport and I understand why people are so passionate about it."
2005 has been a baptism of fire for Shnaider and his team. When he took control - at the end of January - morale was at an all time low. Many of the old guard left, and those that remained have had to accept a new way of doing things, as the 'Jordan way' was cast aside. Claims that 'this is how we've always done it' were swiftly brushed aside, as it was pointed out that it was the 'old way' had taken the team to the brink of extinction. Make no mistake, Jordan was very, very close to going over the edge, things were far worse than many people realize.
Some were unhappy at various changes that have taken place, while others are disappointed at the apparent anonymity of the team this season and its lack of results. A couple of years back, Jordan was winning races and challenging for the title, in 2005, the Silverstone team feels it's had a result if it out-qualifies and out-races both Minardis.
Yet Shnaider remains upbeat, convinced that it will all come together: "We are very happy with the progress," he says. "The cars have proved to be very reliable, which is an indication of how the team is working together and that the race team, and the rest of the people that are staying at home at the factory, is doing a good job.
"At the beginning of the season, the drivers were also an unknown commodity," he admits. "Nobody knew them. We were even criticised for taking in rookie drivers, but I think that the drivers have shown their worth in recent races. They've done very well, they've brought the cars home.
"In particular, Tiago has brought the car home every single race. We've scored points when they were available to us, so we're very happy and they've proven themselves."
In 2006 the team will appear with a new name and a new livery, the ghost will be laid to rest, and the era of Midland F1 Team will begin.
"The greatest thing about this team is its people," says Shnaider. "We have a great bunch of people: they are smart, they are resourceful, they are efficient and they are passionate about the team and about the sport.
"Once they gel together and start working as one, in tandem with the management and with the right allocation of resources, there is nothing that's going to stop this team in advancing."
This weekend will be a sad one for many Jordan fans, however, if Shnaider has his way, Midland F1 Team fans will have something to celebrate in 2006, and maybe they'll convince a few of the Jordan faithful to remain on board.
The King is dead, long live the King.