Mansell to drive for Jordan
Former world champion Nigel Mansell is to make his F1 return with Jordan next week in the F1 comes to Regent Street demonstration in London. Mansell will drive one of this year's Jordan-Ford EJ14s next Tuesday, July 6, after conducting a secret acclimatisation test at Silverstone on Monday
The 50-year-old, who won the world championship with Williams in 1992 and won 31 grands prix in an F1 career that spanned 15 years and 191 races, had a seat-fitting at the Jordan factory before testing the car prior to the London parade which is expected to feature more than half of the teams competing in this year's championship.
"It's great to be back in an F1 car, reunited with the love of my life," said Mansell. " I think what London is doing is very special for the British Grand Prix. When I got the phone call from Eddie asking me if I would do this, it seemed the right thing to do.
"I am comfortable in the car after today and really enjoyed having a little play this afternoon. I practised launches, did a few laps and went round some corners a bit quicker than I should have! I can't wait to take part in the Regent Street event, this should be great for the fans."
Mansell's last competitive outing was in the British Touring Car Championship in 1998 when he drove three races in a factory Ford Mondeo, but he also took part in a Minardi two-seater F1 demonstration race at Donington in 2001, where he collided with Fernando Alonso on the last lap.
Eddie Jordan has always been a fan of Mansell. The British star even tested for Jordan's team prior to the 1996 season before leaving F1 for good.
"Nigel was undoubtedly the fans' favourite all over the world and I was delighted when he accepted my invitation to drive a Jordan car on this special occasion," said Jordan. "I was a fan of Nigel's when we raced together in Formula 3 in the seventies and the total commitment and never-say-die attitude he showed throughout his racing career is what I have tried to follow at Jordan Grand Prix.
"Nigel is not just a former world champion he is one of Britain's legendary sportsmen and I'm extremely proud he's driving our Jordan Ford. I'm sure if he wanted to race again he'd show many of today's heroes how to do it; you never know we might be able to tempt him away from the golf course to do another season!"
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