Monteiro and Karthikeyan confirmed at Jordan

Post by **Tim** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:30 am

Reports are suggesting the Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan is on the verge of signing with the Jordan Grand Prix team (now owned by the Midland Group).

Karthikeyan was quoted as saying "In principle I have agreed to drive for the Jordan F1 team for the 2005 season. We will be signing the agreement in the next couple of days."

Sponsorship seems to be the only remaining obstacle.

Narain Karthikeyan tested for Jaguar and Jordan in 2001 and was offered a race seat by Minardi in 2003 but the deal fell through due to lack of finances

If this deal is secured, Narain Karthikeyan will be the first Indian to ever race in Formula 1.

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 7:43 am

Cannon fodder for the sake of dollars?

Graham Ross · Post by **Graham Ross** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:28 am

I'd like to see drivers from non-traditional F1 countries but this one has to be a 'rent-a-drive'. It is sad as there are other drivers who deserve to be in F1 but can't.

Alex Yoong was a disaster for Minardi a few years ago. I hope this guy doesn't fall in the same category.
But hey at least his teammate will look good and I am sure Stoddart is hoping this deal goes ahead

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:59 am

In a nutshell, Graham

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:02 pm

Alex Yoong II

Seriously though this guys tested once or twice three years ago, what chance does he have ? Just so that a team hopes to gain popularity because they've put the first Indian in F1. It can easily backfire. Remember the first Malaysian ?

It shouldn't be about where you are from but how good you are as a racer.

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:11 pm

I think its about dollars, and keeping an F1 team and airline going !!!

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:16 pm

What airline ?

I doubt that Midland are worried about finances. I think they just want to grab attention and it is a smart short term marketing ploy

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:18 pm

Air India, flying him home early, when he totals the the thing in 1st practice

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:21 pm

julian mayo wrote:Air India, flying him home early, when he totals the the thing in 1st practice

Damn! I took you seriously - AGAIN -

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:30 pm

VTEC · Post by **VTEC** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:55 pm

This sounds more like a stunt for the new Jordan owners.

Never heard of the guy though so maybe he's good!

Ed · Post by Ed » Fri Feb 04, 2005 6:50 am

The Jordan team confirmed today the signing of Portugese driver Tiago Monteiro and Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan for the 2005 Formula 1 season ... more

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 7:30 am

Backed by the FIA, mobile chicanes to lower race speeds.?

350Z · Post by **350Z** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 8:09 am

Jordan should be congratulated on bringing young talent into F1. The are taking a big risk.
Good luck to both their new drivers. You never know but one of them could be the next Raikkonen!

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 11:47 am

350Z wrote:Jordan should be congratulated on bringing young talent into F1. The are taking a big risk.
Good luck to both their new drivers. You never know but one of them could be the next Raikkonen!

Sure but there is talent and there is buy your seat. I too hope they do well but when Carlin who hired the two described Karthikeyan as "sometimes a little bit raw and wild in his style ", wouldn't you think he'd be better of as a test driver for a season at least ?

Money talks but can't race