Thursday August 26th, 1999

Jordan announced today that Jarno Trulli has signed a two year contract with the Silverstone based team. The Italian driver will replace Damon Hill who has announced his retirement from Formula One.

Commenting on his new signing, Jordan Grand Prix's Chief Executive, Eddie Jordan said, "We are delighted to announce that Jarno will race for Jordan. I believe Jarno has great potential and will find the right environment in our team to develop his true talent in the way that Heinz-Harald (Frentzen) has done this year. In Jarno I see one of the most exciting young drivers I have come across and I am quite certain he will develop with Jordan into a winning driver."

Trulli, 25, made his Formula One debut in 1997 in Australia with Minardi, moving later that season to Prost to replace an injured Olivier Panis. Born in Pescara, Italy, Trulli is one of four Italian drivers currently competing in F1. On confirmation that he will join Jordan Grand Prix, Trulli said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for me. Benson and Hedges Jordan has shown that it is now truly a top team and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in Jordan's continuing success." Trulli's first drive in a Jordan Mugen-Honda is expected to take place during testing in December.