By Phil Giles
March 20 2005

Jordan's reliability continued today in the second race of the F1 Grand Prix season. The Toyota engines again giving great service to the team, have now lasted for two full race distances without issue.

The engines reliability however is clearly being offset by tyres which are clearly struggling, not only on the Jordan but on the Ferrari and Minardi.  Michelin appear to be swatting Bridgestone off the track at the moment.

Despite bringing both of the Jordan's home today, Narain finished in 11th place with Tiago a place behind in 12th.  Again a solid drive from both of the inexperienced rookies in sweltering heat at the Sepang Circuit. 

Both drivers really had an uneventful race.  Tiago span on oil left when Jenson Button's Honda engine gave up the ghost but apart from one overtaking manoeuvre, the TV coverage left the Jordan duo alone to concentrate on the front runners. 

Narain said afterwards that he felt a bit bored during the race.  However he was pleased to finish in 11th, having survived one of the hottest ever Grand Prix.

Tiago thanked the engineers for a second trouble free weekend, however again he felt that he was racing on his own, the only exciting moment was when he span.  Tiago also admitted to feeling a bit bored by the race.  Shame he wasn't spectating then really.

Whilst watching the race here though I felt that Jordan were perhaps being used part way through the race.  A rolling roadblock seemed to happen in the latter stages of the race to bring Ralf Schumacher up to the back of Nick Heidfeld and similarly Fernando seemed to have problems getting past a Jordan when Jarno was starting to push.  Is there a question of a Toyota / Jordan conspiracy afoot or is it just my imagination?

Despite my cynicism, the team were the first to congratulate Toyota on their first ever podium place.  "It is a testimony to the engine department in Cologne that all four cars powered by Toyota again finished the race" said Trevor Carlin.

We want to remind Mr Schnaider and Mr Carlin that out of the top five finisher today, three of them have driven for Jordan in the past.  We hope that they remember this when they look at the teams rebranding in 2006.