Jordan's new technical director Mark Smith began work today insisting the team is on the verge of a major step forward.
Smith, who returns to Jordan after a spell as chief designer with Renault, was instrumental in the Silverstone-based team's hey day of the late 1990s, when Heinz Harald Frentzen challenged for the world championship.
Now he has returned to a Jordan team far removed from the one he left in fifth place in the constructors' championship in 2001.
After another difficult campaign, Jordan ended last season ninth, but with a Toyota engine deal for 2005, Smith is optimistic he can turn around the team's fortunes.
He said: "Returning to Jordan has two main facets for me. Firstly, the motivating factor is of course to play a key role in moving the team towards the front of the F1 grid. This will be neither easy nor instant but it is a challenge that I relish."
"Secondly, this team represents something a little special for me since I was fortunate to have the opportunity of being one of the three designers of the first Jordan F1 car, the 191. I am looking forward to playing a part in what I personally regard as the next Jordan generation."
Team boss Eddie Jordan is certain Smith can repeat his success at Renault, where he helped the French team return to the front of the grid after a difficult transition from the Benetton days.
The Dubliner said: "Iam so glad that Mark is back at Jordan. His work played a major part in our best performing cars over the years and in my opinion he has been instrumental in the recent turnaround in performance at his last team."
