Jordan Sign Doornbos as Third Driver

The Jordan Grand Prix team have announced today that they have signed Robert Doornbos as the team's third driver and reserve test driver for the 2005 season.

23 year-old Dutchman Doornbos drove Jordan's third car in the last three rounds of 2004, driving on Friday in China, Japan and Brazil. He also competed in International Formula 3000 last year, winning the race at Spa on his way to finishing third overall in the championship, earning him the "Rookie Of the Year" award.

"It was fantastic doing three Grands Prix with Jordan last year but those free practice sessions were the only time I had ever had in an F1 car," said Doornbos. "I'm delighted now to have the opportunity to continue testing, learning  and developing - both for me and for the team."

Managing director of Jordan Grand Prix Colin Kolles said: "One has to be impressed at Robert Doornbos's pace - in every aspect. He started motor racing very late compared to most of today's drivers and in that situation you have to be outstanding and impress people quickly in order to move up the ranks. He did that, has proved himself competent in F1 last year and now we are happy that he will continue working with us to get the most out of Friday free practice sessions and at the same time he has an opportunity to keep learning Formula One."

Doornbos joins Jordan as it presents its car, management and race drivers in Moscow, Russia today.