NOVEMBER 5, 2003

Jordan and the Russians

Eddie Jordan wants more money for next year and hopes that a 19-year-old Russian may be able to help him. Vitaly Petrov may have what it takes to make it in Formula 1 one day in the future.

Eddie Jordan wants more money for next year and hopes that a 19-year-old Russian may be able to help him. Vitaly Petrov may have what it takes to make it in Formula 1 one day in the future but it is a little too early to judge as he has competed only in Formula Renault and in the final round of the European Formula 3000 Championship at Cagliari in Sardinia, driving for the Euronova team, under former racer Vincenzo Sospiri. Jordan's interest may be sparked by the fact that Euronova is in fact a satellite team to Supernova, which runs the Jordan Junior Team in Formula 3000.

Petrov comes from near St Petersburg and started his career in the Russian Formula 1600, which features old Dallara and Reynard chassis powered by VAZ (Lada) engines. After enjoying considerable success he moved to Italy where he has been competing this year for Euronova in the Formula Renault 2000 Italia series. He recently took a step back and won the opening round of the Formula Renault winter series in Britain to draw attention to his efforts.

Sospiri says that Petrov is inexperienced but believes that he has "a special talent".