SEPTEMBER 23, 2001

Alesi joins exclusive 200 club at Indianapolis

JEAN ALESI will drive in his 200th Grand Prix at Indianapolis next weekend, thereby gaining access to an exclusive club populated by only three other drivers. Ahead of him in the stakes remain Riccardo Patrese on 256 races, Gerhard Berger on 210 and Nelson Piquet with 204.

Jordan driver Alesi commented; "The last twelve years have gone so quickly but I feel an incredible sense of achievement to have made it to my 200th Grand Prix. There are so many things that have happened over this time that make it impossible to sum up my Formula One memories in just a few words - a book wouldn't be enough!

"I think about how many times I have lined up on the grid, how many people I have met and the amazing times I have experienced, but mostly, I am so thankful that I have remained safe during my career as I have unfortunately witnessed some very sad accidents on the track. Eddie (Jordan) launched me into Formula One by arranging my drive with Tyrrell in 1989, and since then I have driven for all the teams I wanted to drive for.

"I still have the same passion for Formula One that I had in the beginning and I believe this is one of the reasons I have survived so long in this sport - you have to give 100% otherwise you may as well give up.

"Being back with Jordan now, as I approach the end of F1 career in the next few years, is almost a dream come true. I would like to finish my career by racing for Jordan as I feel I have come full circle."

Alesi drove for Tyrrell (1989-90), Ferrari (1991-95), Benetton (1996-97), Sauber (1998-99) then Prost from the start of 2000 and on to Jordan in time for this year's Hungarian Grand Prix. His sole F1 victory came in the 1995 Canadian GP at the wheel of a Ferrari.