NOVEMBER 1, 2000
Jordan predicts championship success with Honda partnership
EDDIE JORDAN said on Tuesday that he expects his team to become Formula One World Champions with the backing of Honda works engines.
Chief executive Jordan admitted that the prospect of being powered by Honda works engines for 2001 gives the Silverstone-based team the potential they need to win a maiden championship.
"It is a huge opportunity for us," Jordan said. "We have won some races in the past but we have never been a major contender for a championship.
"But this Honda connection will make it happen. I am sure of that. The union with Honda through Mugen is already strong and I am optimistic about becoming champions.
"It may take another three years to happen but I am sure that it will eventually become reality."
Irishman Jordan said that expectations for 2001 are already high and he insisted that the disappointment of this year, when the team finished sixth in the constructors' championship, has given everybody extra desire to succeed next year.
Jordan admitted that the partnership with Honda for next year will help the team rediscover the form that earned them a third place finish behind Ferrari and McLaren in the drivers' and constructors' championship in 1999.
"We've got unbelievable expectations for next year," he added. "We're a very determined bunch of people at Jordan and we all want success.
"We intend to be a major force in the future and the Honda deal is the biggest thing for me in my 30 years in motorsport.
"We start on an even playing field with Ferrari and McLaren and we want to match them if it is possible."