Jordan bank on new car

MOTOR RACING Jordan yesterday introduced the car and new team structure they believe will enhance their prospects of challenging the "Big Four" in this year's Formula One world championship.

Having arrived on the heels of Williams, Benetton, Ferrari and McLaren, Jordan acknowledge they must raise their game to take on and eventually beat those leading teams.

A "factory" engine deal with Peugeot and the contract with their new title sponsors, Total, underline their ambitions. They even have the backing of the Irish government.

Jordan have increased their staff, and are setting up a test team to develop this year's car. The 195, which has a seven- speed gearbox and two foot- pedals, will be given its first run next week at the Silverstone circuit, across the road from the team's headquarters.

Rubens Barrichello of Brazil and Northern Ireland's Eddie Irvine are again the team's drivers. Barrichello, who had a pole position and a podium finish last season, expressed his optimism that he would be able to take the next step - victory - this year.

Irvine, whose training schedule includes gruelling cycling stints near his home in Dublin, was more circumspect. He said: "I want to win races, but realistically, we want consistent points and podiums. If we are lucky, we may get a win, but the top teamsare going to be hard to crack."

The season is due to open in Argentina on 12 March, but that race, and the following four scheduled Grands Prix, are all subject to confirmation. Brazil is threatened by financial problems, and communications with Aida, which hosts the Pacific event, have been affected by the recent Japanese earthquake. The tracks at Imola and Barcelona also require certain modifications.

n McLaren-Mercedes named Mika Hakkinen as their No 1 driver, but left their second seat empty in the 1995 driver line-ups announced yesterday, as speculation continued over whether Nigel Mansell will drive for the British Formula One team. n 1995 FORMULAONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Registered drivers: 1 M Schumacher (Ger) (Benetton-Renault). 2 J Herbert (GB) (Benetton-Renault). 3 U Katayama (Japan) (Tyrrell-Yamaha). 4 to be announced (Tyrrell-Yamaha). 5 D Hill (GB) (Williams-Renault). 6 D Coulthard (GB) (Williams-Renault). 7 tba (McLaren-Mercedes). 8 M Hakkinen (Fin) (McLaren-Mercedes). 9 tba (Footwork-Hart). 10 tba (Footwork-Hart). 11 H Noda (Japan) (Simtek-Ford). 12 tba (Simtek-Ford). 14 R Barrichello (Bra) (Jordan-Peugeot). 15 E Irvine (Irl) (Jordan-Peugeot). 16 tba (Pacific-Ford). 17 tba (Pacific-Ford). 19 tba (Larrousse-Ford). 20 E Comas (Fr) (Larrousse-Ford). 21 P Diniz (Bra) (Forti-Ford). 22 tba (Forti-Ford). 23 P Martini (It) (Minardi). 24 L Badoer (It) (Minardi). 25 tba (Ligier-Mugen Honda). 26 OPanis (Fr) (Ligier-Mugen Honda). 27 J Alesi (Fr) (Ferrari). 28 G Berger (Aut) (Ferrari). 29 K Wendlinger (Aut) (Sauber-Ford). 30 H-H Frentzen (Ger) (Sauber-Ford).

(Following drivers entered pending receipt of super licence: Noda, Comas, Diniz, Martini, Badoer and Wendlinger. Teams have until 9 March to enter new drivers).