Video: Jordan Grand Prix Kicks off 1997

Fisichella in Italy, 1997, thanks to the Cahier Archive

Catch up with Eddie Jordan and the Jordan Grand Prix team as they get pumped to take on the 1997 Formula 1 World Championship and finally crack Formula 1’s top step.

Going in to the 1997 Formula 1 season the team was in an exciting place, having solidified their position as potential Grand Prix winners after six years in the sport.

They had a fresh driver line-up, in more ways than one. Rubens Barrichello, who had been with the team since his rookie season in 1993 and had earned Jordan their first podium and first pole position had left to go race with Stewart Grand Prix. World Sportscar Champion and 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans-winner Martin Brundle, who had replaced Eddie Irvine the year before, would also be leaving the team.

Barrichello and Brundle would be replaced by Giancarlo Fisichella, in his second year in the sport, and rookie Ralf Schumacher. They were young and inexperienced, but full of potential and talent.

With a young and exciting driver line-up in the cars, consistent sponsorship keeping everything running and seven years surviving one of the most brutal sports in the world under their belts, Jordan were looking good. The video catches up with Eddie Jordan and team as they consider their position, performance and potential on the eve of their 100th Formula 1 start.

More of Jordan’s F1 adventures: Video: Colin McRae Tests a Jordan Formula One car

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