Jordan Expecting Tough First Half of 2005

Jordan's technical director Mark Smith has suggested the Silverstone-based squad could struggle in the first races of the 2005 season.

But the Briton has warned not to write Jordan off too early.

"I would be very cautious about expectations for the first races of 2005 but I am confident that we can start really doing something once the season is under way so don't be hasty in writing us off," said Smith, who returned to Jordan after leaving in 2001.

Jordan, ninth in last season's Championship, clinched a last-minute deal with Toyota to use their engines in the new season after Ford left Formula One.

The team aim to roll out an interim version of the EJ15 early next month and have two weeks of testing planned.

"The EJ15 is essentially a development of the EJ14 with a Toyota engine installation and to the new regulations," said Smith. "Once we are able to move forward from this start point, the plan is to look at a significant development mid-season."