Formula 1: New name, same aim for Jordan

Eddie Jordan today unveiled his 2002 title challenger - along with a new title for his team.

The Dubliner confirmed at the launch of the EJ 12 at Brussels Airport today that DHL, a subsidiary of German company Deutsche Post WorldNet, would be the major sponsors, replacing Benson & Hedges.

The Silverstone-based outfit will be renamed DHL Jordan Honda for the 2002 campaign, in which Jordan will be looking to return to winning ways.

‘‘This is an exciting and historic day for the team,’’ said Jordan

‘‘After two excellent years working with Deutsche Post WorldNet, we have reached an agreement with them whereby their DHL brand becomes the title sponsor of our team.

‘‘There is much talk of tough times in Formula One, but this agreement demonstrates that our sport continues to provide an excellent global marketing platform.

‘‘We are very much looking forward to the year ahead together racing as DHL Jordan Honda.’’

Jordan has admitted he would have liked more time to develop his latest challenger before the first race in Melbourne on Sunday week.

‘‘You always want the car to be quicker,’’ he added.

‘‘There are aspects to it that I really like, but there are also aspects that make me feel I’d like a little more time.’’

Jordan will field a new driver line-up of Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, returning to the team after four seasons at Benetton, and Japanese rookie Takuma Sato in 2002.

The team finished a career-high third in the constructors’ championship in 1999, scoring 61 points, but slipped back to sixth in 2000 and finished fifth last year with 19 points.