Jones motivated by DJR call-up
4/3/2002 18:36 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
While Mark Webber basks in the glow of his dream Grand Prix debut yesterday, Australia’s last Formula One World Champion, Alan Jones, is getting back behind the wheel.
Jones, the 1980 F1 champion and winner of eleven Grand Prix, has signed with Dick Johnson Racing to contest this year’s V8 Supercar endurance events.
He joins the team’s impressive driving squad of Steven Johnson, Paul Radisich and Greg Ritter. Jones will partner either series campaigners Johnson or Radisich at both the Queensland 500 and Bathurst V8 Supercar 1000.
"I am just delighted to be in a competitive car and a competitive team again, it’s a great opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it," he said.
"Over the past few seasons I got pretty sick of being passed in a straight line by those Shell Fords, so I can’t wait to get my hands on one...they are a seriously good team with great equipment, and I couldn’t ask for more."
The seasoned Touring Car campaigner, twice a podium finisher at Bathurst, says he has unfinished business on Mount Panorama.
Joining the team that has set the pace at Bathurst recently, his first truly competitive ride in many years, Jones believes, “this will be my first chance to remedy that for some years.”
Team Principal, Dick Johnson acknowledged Gold Coast-based Jones’ vast experience, both here and aboard.
"When you’re as good as Alan you don’t forgot how to do it, either, so I have no doubt he will be very fast and a strong anchor for the team, whichever driver combination we decide on,” Johnson said.
"It was a matter of getting the right balance for the team and he is the perfect fit, plus you can’t believe how motivated he is – there’s no doubt getting back into a competitive car he’s out to prove a point.”
So motivated, in fact, the portly 54-year-old has promised to hit the gym and shape-up for the gruelling endurance assignment.
Jones will test extensively with the team prior to the Queensland 500 in September.
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