Ricardo Zonta, test driver for Benson and Hedges Jordan in 1997, returns to the team to play a key role in the testing and development programme for 2001. Having raced for BAR in 2000, Zonta's role as Jordan's third driver allows him to develop his driver skills and knowledge of developing a Formula One car. "Jordan was the team that gave me my first chance in Formula One and I am very happy to be back with them. The team is like a big family and it is a thrill for me to play this key role working with Jordan and Honda on the EJ11 to build Jordan Honda into a winning team."

The mild mannered Brazilian, from Curitiba, is a family man at heart and when not in Monaco he tries to get back to his home country as often as possible to see family and friends. "I like family and find it important to keep in touch. I have a large family back at home in Brazil and miss them when I am away." In his spare time, Zonta enjoys water skiing and pop music and to get away from the pressures of Formula One enjoys relaxing in front of a good film.

Ayrton Senna has been a huge influence on Zonta who started in the world of Formula One after becoming GT champion with AMG Mercedes. He dreams of becoming World Champion and being the best in his class.

In the same year that he test drove for Jordan, Zonta won the European F3000 Championship. In 1995 Zonta was Brazilian and South American F3 Champion and in 1998 GT World Champion. As a talented youngster Zonta began his racing career in 1987 at the age of 11 with a spell in karting and became Brazilian Formula 3 Champion eight years later. Europe beckoned and Zonta entered the European Formula 3000 Championship in 1997 and finished the season with three victories at the NŸrburgring, Hockenheim and Mugello and proved to be a front runner in his formula.

A year later Zonta became FIA GT Champion and entered the world of Formula One for a second time as official test driver for the McLaren Mercedes team. In 1999 Zonta received the chance of a lifetime and started his first season within Formula One with the British American Racing team where he settled in to the fast pace life that is Formula One.

In 2000 Zonta started his second year within Formula One and finished the season scoring points in three races; Australia, Monza and Indianapolis. "It will be good to build my confidence at Jordan. The team has a family atmosphere and I feel more like an equal. Jordan want to become a big team and they have big ambitions, the future is positive and I feel I can gain the technical experience I need to succeed."