Doornbos Relishes Formula One Debut

Dutchman Robert Doornbos was delighted after making his Formula One debut in today's practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Doornbos, who has been racing in the F3000 series this season, is replacing Timo Glock as the Jordan team's third driver after the German was promoted to a racing seat following the exit of Italian Giorgio Pantano.

Doornbos finished down in 24th place today and was slower than both Glock and teammate Nick Heidfeld, but the Dutchman was delighted with his debut.

"This morning my dream came true and I had a big smile on my face as I drove out of the pitlane - it was an amazing feeling," said Doornbos, winner of the Belgian F3000 round at Spa and who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday. "I got to grips with the car quite quickly and I think I surprised a few people.

"Between the sessions the team amended my programme so I could do more work helping them with race preparation. It worked out well and we found some good data. A problem relating to the engine at the end of the day cut my track time short slightly but that was a minor dip in an otherwise great day."