As the 2002 season gets into gear, it's not just the car and drivers who are new at Jordan. Starting out in the role of Test Team Parts Coordinator is Simon Tree.
For the past year, Tree was working in the stores at the factory, having joined Jordan from the Subaru rally team. But at last week's Barcelona test, he had his baptism of fire, travelling with the test team to oversee the parts. "When I first started here, I always wanted to get onto the travelling side," admitted Simon. "But I had to do my time in the stores to learn the job and prove myself." Twenty eight and single, being away from home for long periods at a time will not be a problem for him.
"I did the last couple of tests last year, but last week was my first time doing the new job on my own," says Tree. "On the truck there is a lot more work to do, as I am responsible for all the carbon parts as well, which I didn't have to do in the stores, so it's a steep learning curve. I've found out I didn't know as much as I thought I did. I have to keep track of all the parts that are used, replacing them as they go on the car."
While it might seem logical to start a new job at the start of the season, this is a tricky time to be a storeman. With the new EJ12 due to come on stream soon, Tree has to cope with parts for last year's EJ11, interim parts and soon, the test team will be running one EJ11 alongside the EJ12.
"I'll have to get to grips with all the new car parts as well as the older ones, which is going to be pretty confusing," reckons Simon. "On top of that, because the EJ12 is brand new, the parts I will be using for the first tests will then have to be packed up and flown to Melbourne for the race team to use at the first race and I will have to re-stock the test trucks. "I'm looking forward to the next couple of tests, but I think I'll probably get quite stressed. I can expect a bit of shouting from the mechanics."
Tree can expect much longer hours than he was used to back in the stores. "As long as the mechanics are still working at the track, I have to be on hand," he explains. "And I muck in with jobs like washing down the trucks and setting up the garage, when we arrive at the circuit."
Despite the longer hours, Tree is looking forward to his new job. "I think this might be more interesting and I'm looking forward to the travelling. "Tree is in two minds as to whether or not he would like to eventually try his hand on the race team."I'm happy where I am for the time being, but I suppose one day I'd like to do a stint with the race team, just to say I've done it."