Firman confident after Japanese experience
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ralph Firman is confident he will be able to cope with the demands of Formula One this season. The 27-year-old, who has been given a three-year deal by Jordan, fills the last place on the grid for the new season which will feature four Britons: Firman, David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Justin Wilson.
He is confident the experience he gained racing in Japan for the last six seasons will prove vital when he makes his debut in the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 7-9 March.
"I've been out there for a long time racing high-powered cars and that should help me mentally and physically in the next year," said Firman, who won the Formula Nippon series last year. "This will be my first season in F1 and I have worked hard to build up my experience in Japan, so although F1 will be something new I feel ready and quite comfortable with it."
Firman had seemed set to defend his Formula Nippon title – the equivalent of F3000 – this year with Brazil's Felipe Massa the favourite to succeed Takuma Sato as team-mate to Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella. But it appears Massa was unable to come up with the necessary sponsorship, reputed to be £3m-plus, to boost Eddie Jordan's budget for the season.
It is unclear how much money Firman will bring to the team although Benson & Hedges, one of the team's sponsors, and Ford of Ireland are reported to have contributed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments