Jordan’s expertise in production and logistics has been tested to the maximum during the fortnight between the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix. Two cars’ worth of bodywork parts have been sent to Malaysia by air freight to replace the spares used to fix Takuma Sato’s car, damaged in a pre-qualifying crash in Melbourne, and Giancarlo Fisichella’s car, caught up in the eight-car first-corner crash.

Three EJ12s and the majority of DHL Jordan Honda’s race team equipment has been transported from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, while many of the mechanics and engineers took a well-earned five-day break in Thailand, en route to the Sepang circuit. Tim Edwards, Jordan’s Team Manager, was back at the factory for little more than a week and had to adapt preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"‘Normal’ flyaway baggage sent back to the factory comprises four sets of gearboxes, suspensions, uprights and other mechanical components, which are rebuilt and then sent out to the next race. This time, in addition, salvageable composite parts from the damaged EJ12s were delivered to the workshop by returning race team personnel, who brought ten extra suitcases from Melbourne in personal luggage. 

"Six flight cases were already scheduled to depart for Malaysia, containing routinely rebuilt parts and spares, and two more bodywork boxes have been added to that consignment. If necessary, late-finished components can be sent out with hand baggage days before the race weekend. It’s not ideal, but accidents happen, and we work very hard to make sure we’re 100% ready for the next race".