For Narain Karthikeyan the Turkish GP was a welcome return to ‘‘some sort of form’’ that has been eluding him. In fact, more than just the 14th place, Istanbul was where both Karthikeyan and teammate Tiago Monteiro were out to prove themselves one last time. With Silverstone-based Jordan making it clear that the forthcoming Italian GP would finally have its heavily-revised Toyota powered EJ15B making its debut, it was also learnt that the team planned to run only one car at Monza. This, however, is subject to a full test Jordan expects to give the new car at Monza this week after a host of teething problems that held up their plans. Though Karthikeyan heaved a sigh of relief after the Turkish GP, he was quick to shoot down the idea of him being the one chosen to drive the new car. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “I’m afraid the management will decide on that by the toss of coin.” According to Karthikeyan, Jordan’s decision was based on tackling the situation in all fairness. “All at Jordan surely believe that I’m the fastest. They have gone on record as saying that umpteen times, but four DNFs (did not finish) against my name in the season so far has had them think otherwise.” Monteiro till date has been the only driver on the grid to boast of the distinction of having 14/14 finishes to his name, which is a unique reputation of being the most reliable rookie driver in the history of the Formula One. Says Karthikeyan, “lets be realistic he (Monteiro) has brought the car home and the decision is quite uncompromising.” Karthikeyan hoped that luck would swung his way with the coin. Jordan, meanwhile, would have both Karthikeyan and Monteiro test the new car at Monza. Karthikeyan, however, finds solace from the fact that the race to follow after Monza at the Spa Francorchamps in Belgium will see two new Jordan’s line up. “That’s something to look forward to,” he said. Turkey hails Grand Prix, jams sour mood ISTANBUL:Turkey hailed its inaugural Grand Prix a great success on Sunday but huge traffic jams Left thousands of spectators fuming in their cars for hours during their day out. Mindful of recent bomb attacks, race organisers had doubled security measures for the race and ringed the $70 million Istanbul Park circuit with about 2,000 paramilitary police. To their relief the day passed off peacefully. Around 90,000 people attended race day, bringing the number of spectators over the three days to 183,000 for what Turkish officials have trumpeted as a huge boost to the country’s already buoyant tourism sector. Late spectators abandoned their cars by the roadside and sprinted to the track to avoid missing the race. Many of them said they spent four hours in traffic. Torrential rain compounded the difficulties and irate drivers argued with the paramilitary police and among themselves.
