Alesi gets behind wheel of Jordan

The Frenchman was announced as the replacement for the sacked Heinz-Harald Frentzen last Wednesday and was able to complete limited running at the Northamptonshire track despite the current Formula 1 testing ban.

Due to F1's mid season break, testing is forbidden in the three weeks between the German and Hungarian Grands Prix. However, shakedowns are permitted, provided no more than 50 km of running is completed.

"I've had a busy and productive day as there was a lot to learn about the car," commented Alesi. "Although we could only complete a total of 50 kilometres as it was a shakedown, we made some good progress. We mainly concentrated on my seat and driving position to make me feel comfortable in the car.

"It was good to work with my car, crew and engineers so we could get to know each other. The EJ11 feels very good to drive so I'm really looking forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix to experience its true potential and race in a car that has proved to be very competitive."

Alesi completed 18 laps of Silverstone's National Circuit and will not drive the car again until the first practice session in Hungary. Team boss Eddie Jordan was pleased with his latest recruit's progress and believes he will make a good partner to existing driver Jarno Trulli.

"Jean has settled into the EJ11 very quickly and feels comfortable and confident," said Jordan. "A fabulous attribute of Jean's is that he gives 100 per cent at all times and we want to give him a car that can enable him to demonstrate his talent. I think that Jarno and Jean will be a particularly good pairing. Jordan has achieved some very competitive results this season, both in qualifying and races, and they will compliment each other well to achieve further success."

Alesi's current deal is for the last five races of this season, but rumours persist that he is set to stay on for next year. However, Jordan told Autosport last week that both parties would not sit down to discuss 2002 until after next month's Italian Grand Prix.

Alesi is returning to Jordan after an absence of more than 11 years as the 36-year-old won the International Formula 3000 championship with the Silverstone-based outfit in 1989.

Frentzen has moved to the Prost team to take Alesi's seat and the German had his first run with the French squad at Magny-Cours on Friday.