Succesful Chinese F1 debut Robert Doornbos

SHANGHAI – At the Chinese International Circuit, Robert Doornbos today made an astonishing F1 debut with Jordan Grand Prix. In both practise sessions at the 5.451 kilometre long track, Doornbos drove 38 faultless laps in his EJ-14. By setting comparable laptimes to all other eight Ford-drivers (Jordan, Jaguar and Minardi), Jordan’s Dutch third driver showed his potential in front of all eyes in the F1 paddock.

Because Italian driver Giorgio Pantano could no longer fulfill his financial obligements, former testdriver Timo Glock was announced as the team’s second racedriver next to fellow countryman Nick Heidfeld last week.
With the backing of MUERMANS GROUP and BURGFONDS, Robert Doornbos was handed the role as Jordan Grand Prix Friday’s testdriver for the remaining Grand Prix of the F1 season in China, Japan and Brasil.

Though Doornbos never had driven a Formula One car before in his career, the Italy based driver put down a blistering performance today and showed himself a true professional in all situations. Not only improved Doornbos himself set-up wise, he also build up his speed continiously during the two sessions at the brand new circuit that hosts the maiden Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.

After his single even F1 appearance the 23 year old Dutchman was quick to share his views on his F1 debut. Robert: “ It’s really an amazing feeling which I just can’t describe! After I returned to my pitcrew from my installation lap, my eyes must have had the size of melons! The manner in which this car brakes, accelarates and changes gears is just fenomenal! Luckily, on from the start everything felt 100% natural to me, so I could soon start to give the team usefull data about the car and improve my performance lap by lap. Most important however, is that the team is satisfied with my input and that Nick and Timo can build on from that. Together with the team I now look forward to the remainder of this weekend in which I will learn lots more about all aspects. I also can’t hardly wait to get back behind the wheel in a fortnight at Japan!”

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