Rookie Firman gears up to cope with new formula

ROOKIE Ralph Firman insisted yesterday he would be able to cope with the demands of Formula One this season.

The 27-year-old has been catapulted into motor-sport's toughest series after being handed a three-year deal by Jordan.

Firman fills the last place on the grid for the new campaign but 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 March 7-9.