Heidfeld and Firman wrap up Jerez test for Jordan.

Nick Heidfeld and Ralph Firman concluded Jordan Ford's final test session of 2003 today [Friday] in unremittingly wet conditions in Jerez, Spain.

They completed 49 and 48 laps respectively and concentrated on Bridgestone's tyre test programme in addition to some control systems development work.

Heidfeld was fourth quickest behind the three Ferraris with his best lap time of 1 minute 27.89 seconds.

"Overall I'm really happy with the three day test and the only negative thing was obviously the weather, which prevented us from completing the planned number of laps and carrying out our plans for dry conditions," said the German, "We thought it would be hard to get anything at all out of today as at times it was almost impossible to drive, but in actual fact we were able to do a Bridgestone wet weather programme, which was good. I would very much like to learn about the car in dry conditions but at least I know it is quite good and how to set it up in wet conditions."

Firman meanwhile had to make do with a best time of 1m 28.84s.

"I'm very disappointed that today's day of testing was ruined by rain," he noted, "We had changeable conditions all day and there was a lot that we needed to do in the dry. However, it's great to be driving the car again, at another new circuit for me, and nice to be working with the team and with James Robinson. It's interesting to see what new things he can bring and help the team move forward."

James Robinson, head of race and test engineering, summed up: "We had very heavy rain and storms overnight which virtually flooded the track so standing water prevented us from running the cars until midday.

"Afterwards constantly changing levels of rainfall meant we saw anything from slightly wet to monsoon conditions and as we were working to a set Bridgestone tyre programme, our focus was on that programme rather than selecting a tyre for the quickest lap time in the conditions at any one moment. We have started some productive work with Bridgestone and we have also experienced a trouble-free few days with Cosworth on the engines.

"The track began to dry during the last hour and at the very end of the session both drivers had a couple of laps on standard wet tyres. Heidfeld's lap time was quite encouraging particularly as he was restricted by engine mileage and he may not have been on the track at its best with the most appropriate tyre. Firman experienced more and more grip with each lap but he was learning the circuit and unfortunately the session ended as the track was at its driest.

"Despite the frustrations of the weather conditions, the test has been positive and we have made progress with Heidfeld getting used to setting up the Jordan and how the team operates and we have also carried out some important analysis for our 2004 control systems."