Midland car won't run until February

With the Jordan outfit getting renamed as Midland following approval by the Formula One Commission earlier this week, the M16 car will be a new design from this year's EJ15B - although some of the aero concepts of the 2005 chassis will be used.

James Key, the team's technical co-ordinator, said: "We have learned a lot from the 15B and the aero concepts behind it will carry through the next year's car.

"Obviously it is sad to see the name of Jordan go from F1, as it is a team which has enjoyed a fair amount of success over the last 15 years. However, recent seasons have been tough and this year was compromised by not being able to design an entirely new car.

"With the change to Midland F1, we now have a new opportunity ahead of us, and, with a new car for the 2006 season, a fresh platform on which to develop."

Although Jordan scored 12 points this season, thanks mostly to the team's third and fourth place finish in the United States Grand Prix, Key is well aware that it will take a major step forward in pace for the team to regularly score in 2006.

"We have to be realistic, as where we are coming from requires a significant step in performance for us to be in the points on a regular basis," he explained. "Many team members - myself included - are confident that we can once again become a competitive and successful team, as in the past.

"The M16 will see a lot of development work during the 2006 season and, with the continued improvement of the facilities at the Silverstone HQ, we have a very positive outlook for the future."