Up, Up and Away!

No he didn't Ralph!
By Phil Giles
March 5 2003

Jordan's rookie driver Ralph Firman got his first glimpse of Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit, from about 10,000ft above and mostly the wrong way up!

Ralph was quite literally launched into the world of Formula One when he was invited to take a trip in a Royal Australian Air Force 'Roulettes' Pilatus PC9 trainer. According to the official Jordan site, Ralph managed a lap of the circuit, averaging 500kmh. No doubt, a little faster than he'll be doing it on Sunday.

"It was absolutely terrific, a wonderful experience. We experience up to 4G in a Formula One car, but nothing like this and certainly not the negative G that you get in one of these aircraft. They certainly know how to handle these planes and the circuit looked great - although I seemed to spend most of the flight upside down!"

Jordan Fans will also be happy to know that some of the blank spaces on the EJ13 have been taken up with new Advertising. Vodka V-10's logo will appear on the side of the tub.