Jordan Grand Prix was set up by Irishman Eddie Jordan in 1991. Jordan had already run a successful Fomula 3000 team in the 80s and decided it was time to take the plunge into F 1. In their first season in Formula 1 Jordan struggled for reliability and power in the disappointing Ford V8. The 7up sponsored car was clearly distinctive with its dark green livery. During the 91 season Jordan went through 5 different drivers (Alex Zanardi, Bertrand Gachot, Michael Schumacher, Roberto Moreno and Alex De Cesaris). In what races they did finish the Jordan scored well in the points and they ended the season in 5th place in the championship with 13 points.
In 1992 Jordan changed engine to a Yamaha V8. This was even less reliable than the Ford and the team struggled to find any finish. Two new drivers were employed for the season (Modena and Guglemin) and both found the going tough. Jordans only point of the year was claimed in the final race when Modena finished sixth. The team was in dire financial straits and they needed to improve fast.
1993 saw a partial recovery. Jordan decided that reliability was the main priority and signed an engine deal with Hart. Although it was underpowered it gave them the chance of a finish. This year they went through 6 drivers (Barrichello, Capelli, Boutsen, Aspicella, Naspetti and Irvine) and their 3 point haul saw the team finish 10th in the constructers standings.
1994 was to be the breakthrough year for Jordan. The Hart engine was now more powerful than ever and more importantly had the reliability to back it up. Rubens Barrichello was to be the star of the year as he picked up 19 points during the season. In Eddie Irvine he had a very capable partner. Irvine missed three races in this season and his place was taken by Suzuki and De Cesaris. By the end of 94 Jordan had amassed 28 points and regained 5th place in the championship. They also reached their first podium while finishing 3rd in the Pacific Grand Prix.
Jordan parted company with Hart at the end of the year and in 1995 signed with the very impressive Peugeot. They had by now decided on Barrichello and Irvine as drivers and once again began to rack up the points. Although they didn't reach the previous years total they still earned 21 and finished sixth. Signs of a race winning car were also emerging as they gained 3 podiums including two 2nd places.
Eddie Irvine left in 1996 and was replaced by the experienced Martin Brundle. Again the team showed well and were now finishing more regularly in the [points. Although they didn't mount the podium they stil managed to increase thei points total to 22 and regained 5th spot in the championship.
Jordan took a big risk by signing two relatively unknown drivers to spearhead their attack. But in Ralf Schumacher and Giancarlo Fisichella they had a passionate duo who were eager to prove their worth. The Peugeot was now performing to the top of its ability and the team passed the 30 points mark for the first time. A 2nd and 3rd place were also acheived in 1997. However a struggle over Fisichella's contract saw him leave for Benneton at the end of the year.
In 1998 former world champion Damon Hill replaced Fisichella and with Mugen Honda as new engine suppliers everything was looking rosy for the Silverstone team. However lack of reliability meant that the team reached the halfway point of the season without a point to their name. Then a major turn in fortunes occured. The team started finishing races and in the rain at Spa Franchorchamps they managed to steer both cars home at the top of the field. Hill coming first. It was Jordans maiden victory and by now the viper nosecone of a Jordan was a menacing sight. They finished the season with 34 points and much hope for the new season. |
