Jordan Grand Prix drivers Tiago Monteiro, Narain Karthikeyan and Robert Doornbos began the weekend with a smooth-running Free Practice day today with no mechanical problems or damage to their cars at the spectacular but demanding 5.417-km Bahrain International Circuit. They completed their various programmes despite a dusty and sandy surface, which affected grip levels especially in the opening session but improved considerably in the afternoon.  Karthikeyan had the quickest lap time of the three.

FREE PRACTICE 1
Robert Doornbos (EJ15/01) 14th 1:35.432  23 laps
Narain Karthikeyan (EJ15/02) 15th  1:35.766  14 laps
Tiago Monteiro (EJ15/03) 16th  1:36.534  18 laps

FREE PRACTICE 2
Narain Karthikeyan (EJ15/02) 18th  1:33.981  16 laps
Robert Doornbos (EJ15/01) 19th  1:34.222  26 laps
Tiago Monteiro (EJ15/03) 21st 1:34.727  18 laps

TEAM QUOTES ON THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX FRIDAY FREE PRACTICE SESSIONS

TIAGO MONTEIRO 
“It is very interesting to go to new tracks as you always have so much to learn and try in a limited amount of time. I am happy with the changes we have made today and the information we have been able to gather for the rest of the weekend. Bridgestone is doing a very good job here and I am pretty confident for tomorrow.”

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN 
“I really like the circuit here in Bahrain as it suits my style of driving. We have tried some different new parts in the car; they were small changes but they have already made a significant difference. I have been pretty quick so I am happy with my performance today.”

ROBERT DOORNBOS  
“Today was a good day. I have really enjoyed driving on this challenging circuit. The whole team seems to be working very well here and we are definitely more competitive than in Malaysia. Bridgestone has found a good tyre for the weekend, so everything looks positive at the moment. It is a pity I cannot drive tomorrow.”

TREVOR CARLIN
SPORTING DIRECTOR
“We are very pleased with the way today has gone. We have been through quite a lot of work as the three cars had three different programmes. We have got a reasonable balanced car for Saturday’s qualifying and we are very happy with the performance of the whole team in general.”