Firman and Jordan head for Macau.

Jordan Ford will make history this weekend when a Formula One car will run for the first time in China.

Ralph Firman is set to drive the Jordan Ford EJ13 in demonstrations at the legendary Guia street circuit on three consecutive days beginning Friday 14 November, as part of the festivities celebrating the 50th Macau Grand Prix.

At this event, Jordan's livery will feature the blue and silver colours of Sobranie, a cigarette brand owned by Gallaher, which has been a principle sponsor of Jordan for eight years with its Benson and Hedges brand.

Firman, who won the prestigious international Formula 3 race at Macau in 1996, said: "I can't wait to go back to Macau as it's one of the most challenging circuits in the world. I have good memories of winning in 1996 and it will be really exciting to drive the F1 car there."

Eddie Jordan, joining Firman and other members of the Jordan Ford team in Macau this weekend, added: "I have great memories of Macau, particularly as part of Theodore Racing when we ran Ayrton Senna, and I'm very proud to take part in this unique event and further strengthen Jordan's links with China."

To mark half a century of world-class motorsport, the 2003 Macau Grand Prix is held over two weekends in November. The first, 8 and 9 November, highlighted the historical aspect of the event and the second, 13 to 16 November, comprises: the FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3 showcase the talents of the world's leading F3 drivers, the famous Guia Race for touring cars with top drivers from across Europe and Asia, and the Macau Motor Cycle Grand Prix for the world's leading road racing specialists, with a host of four and two-wheel support races, making up a packed race programme.

The Macau Grand Prix has long been recognised as a testing ground for future Formula One stars, and its alumni include Michael and Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard, as well as this year's Jordan Ford drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Ralph Firman.

The F1 demonstration forms part of the 50th Macau Grand Prix celebrations, a fitting tribute to Teddy Yip, a major contributor to the event who passed away in July this year aged 90. Ayrton Senna was a Jordan driver when he took victory in Macau's first Formula 3 race in 1983 with Yip's Theodore Racing Team.