Dubai: He gave seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut in 1991 and was the owner of a team that four generations on is now known as Force India. Meet Eddie Jordan, owner of former F1 team Jordan Grand Prix and lead analyst for F1 coverage on the BBC. Speaking exclusively to XPRESS ahead of his visit to Abu Dhabi for the Chequered Flag Ball at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that will be held on November 11, Jordan revealed why the current German world champion still has some way to go before being talked of in the same breath as the likes of Schumacher.
"I think in many respects he [Vettel] has the potential to emulate the very best drivers we've ever seen in F1," Jordan said.
"However, it would be silly to say too much about him at this early stage of his career, he's got a long way to go and we all saw what happened to Ayrton Senna when he became obsessed with pushing things further and further. Vettel has everything he needs around him, a great team, a fantastic car and a good support system and those factors should not be overrated. No driver wins a championship on his own."
And in this regard, Jordan has no doubt about who is the best driver of them all, despite questions being asked about his failed comeback bid.
"For me he [Schumacher] is the greatest driver of all time. Some people will argue against that, and there are some compelling arguments, but to me he is the best so who am I to say whether he should or shouldn't have made a comeback. One thing is for sure, Michael is working as hard as every other driver out there to win races and if he isn't winning there is a good reason for it," he said.
Jordan also expressed his excitement over the forthcoming Indian Grand Prix on October 30.
"I can't wait for India. It's been a long time coming for them, but I think it's come just at the right time. It's important for the sport of F1 that huge markets like India are catered for and that we're able to generate excitement around what is such a great spectacle. I hope we see a packed circuit, just like we do at Abu Dhabi and Singapore - both of which are new kids on the block and doing a great job of it. Many people talk about the amount of money it costs to host a race, but they forget the knock-on effect a race has on job creation, and the platform it offers the hosts to a global audience."
On a high
- In 1998, Jordan had their best result when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished 1-2 at the Belgian Grand Prix
- In 1999, Jordan achieved their F1 zenith when Heinz-Harald Frentzen became a genuine contender for the championship, ultimately finishing third and helped Jordan finish third in the constructor's championship
