25/02/2005
NEWS STORY
Jordan Grand Prix brought Formula One to Russia today, presenting its racing car with 2005 Grand Prix race drivers Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan in Moscow's Red Square. The drivers braved snow and temperatures of -10- C to show the familiar yellow car to Russian and international media with a grand setting in Moscow's oldest and most famous square in the midst of the famous and imposing landmarks of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum.
Colin Kolles, Managing Director of Jordan Grand Prix, said "We want our F1 team to have a Russian flavour so it was very important to introduce ourselves appropriately to the media and business here in Moscow. We want to show them how thrilling Formula One is and I hope that it has been exciting for people to see a Formula One car and racing drivers here at the heart of the Russian capital."
Trevor Carlin said, "We are delighted to be able to bring our Jordan car and drivers to Moscow. It's a magnificent city and we really are honoured to be hosted as F1 representatives in Russia. We are meeting some fantastic people during our visit and I wish it had not been such a brief stay. We're going directly to Melbourne now to make our final preparations for the Australian Grand Prix - we can't wait to race!"
Tiago Monteiro said, "I'm really excited to visit Moscow. This is my first time in Russia and I'm impressed with how striking the place is and how busy and welcoming the people are. It is great to be able to bring the car with us just days before we leave for the first race, so Russian people can experience F1 up close in their own country. I really appreciate the support we have from fans here and it's going to give us an extra boost of motivation in Melbourne in a week's time and throughout the whole season."
Narain Karthikeyan said, "I think Russia, like my home country India, is a nation which would very much like to host a race in the future Grand Prix calendar. There are many similarities between us, although the climate is certainly not one of them! I think the main thing is more and more people are now backing Formula One. It's such a great business opportunity for sponsors and with the sport attracting interest in new countries, the fans are increasing in number by the day. I hope Russian motorsport fans adopt us as their team and I hope we can make them proud."
Pictures to follow