Ralph Firman enjoyed his first public outing as a Jordan Ford driver last night when he attended 'An Evening with Murray Walker' organised by the Lord's Taverners charitable organisation at London's Hilton Hotel.  The event, held in honour of legendary British F1 TV commentator Walker, was attended by a host of celebrities from he world of entertainment, politics and sport.

Formula One World Champions John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart and Damon Hill were present along with Sir Stirling Moss, joining Walker on stage along with ITV F1 host Jim Rosenthal.  Ralph Firman's attendance at the event was hastily arranged following his signing for Jordan Ford this week, and he was invited on stage and interviewed by Rosenthal in front of the 600 VIP guests.

"I am really delighted to be driving for Jordan Ford and looking forward to testing the car for the first time in Valencia on Monday," admitted Firman.  "It's all happened very quickly and I cannot wait for Melbourne."

Sir Jackie Stewart added,"It's good to have Ralph Firman here this evening and to congratulate him on signing to drive in Formula One with Jordan Ford and Cosworth."

Eddie Jordan stood alongside his new signing on stage as they bantered with Walker who explained to the audience that Firman had the most wonderful track record in karting, the junior formula, Formula 3 and Formula Nippon.  "I know you raced against a certain Juan Pablo Montoya, who is pretty good, and beat him so that shows your capabilites!" quipped Walker.

Walker reminisced with the ex-World Champions about their careers and his own work as a commentator over 40 years, admitting that the past 4 months during which he has travelling world-wide promoting his book 'Murray Walker - Unless I am Much Mistaken'.  To date the book has sold 450,000 copies - an extraordinary testimony to his popularity in the markets where his BBC and ITV commentaries were broadcast - UK, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The event raised over £100,000 which will be used to give disadvantaged and disabled children access to sport and sport facilities.  An auction, hosted by entertainer Nicholas Parsons, raised a significant portion of this including £3000 for two people to spend a VIP day with Jordan Ford at a test session this season.