Firman admits he has much to learn

Firman closed his deal with Jordan shortly before the opening race of the season in Melbourne and had little time to test the Jordan-Cosworth EJ13 before racing it. Jordan is also one of four teams to have opted for limited testing during the season in return for extra running on Friday mornings on grand prix weekends.

"Formula One is an incredible thing," Firman told BBC Online, "I just need to knuckle down and keep going in the right direction, making little steps forward all the time.

"It's harder on the neck than a Nippon car. The muscles have to be stronger. Formula Nippon really gets you prepared physically for F1 but technically, the only thing you need is miles under your belt. I've still got a lot to learn and I still haven't got a handle on tyres. I know how I want the car I just haven't got an idea how to get that just yet."

Firman indicated that he likes the opportunity to get used to the car on Friday mornings, but admitted that having to learn new circuits is making his job more difficult: "It does gives me more laps in the car. I guess once you become 100% comfortable with the car it's easier and quicker to learn circuits. I'm still trying to learn two things at the same time."