Alesi Confident Ahead of Jordan Debut

Jean Alesi is confident that he will have a car capable of making the podium at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix when he will make his debut with the Jordan team.

Frenchman Alesi signed for Jordan last week as a replacement for the sacked Heinz-Harald Frentzen for the remaining five races of the 2001 season. The veteran driver, who had scored four points so far this season with the Prost team, believes points will be easier to come by at Jordan.

"At least I now feel I have a car that is capable of being on the podium and that's a real boost for my motivation," said Alesi. "I'll still have to find my feet in the team and get to know my new surroundings as well as a new car, which will be a lot to do. But I'm looking forward to it."

Alesi has driven for team boss Eddie Jordan before, winning the F3000 Championship for him in 1989, and Jordan has no qualms over Alesi's motivation twelve years later and is looking for some good results over the last five races.

"Jean has battled to hard this year. No one can question his motivation," Jordan said. "I believe Jordan can get something special out of him and that he can do something special for us. Signing Jean in 1989 was seen as a big risk, much as it is today.

"The fairy tale of 12 years ago is unlikely to happen again but there is no reason why we can't have some good results over the next five races."