2002 Jordan EJ12

2002 Drivers:
Giancarlo Fisichella
Takuma Sato

The Jordan Honda EJ12 is Jordan's second Formula One car to incorporate a 'works' Honda engine, the RA002E, which is packaged differently than its 2001 predecessor. As a consequence, the chassis rear bulkhead has been modified to suit the new engine.

The EJ12 incorporates heavy design revisions to the front of the chassis, therefore requiring a re-packaged front suspension system. New materials and production techniques have been utilised in the chassis to further reduce weight and the centre of gravity position, with the revised side-pods making the side impact structures smaller, but more efficient.

The seven speed gearbox is based on a revised version of the 2001 unit, although its internals have been re-packaged into a lower position with the casing optimised for stiffness. The car's cooling system has further been re-configured, making it lighter.

New regulations imposed by the FIA for 2002 have made the electrical power steering system illegal, prompting the team to design a new power assisted steering system for the EJ12.

In line with current F1 design philosophy, the front and rear suspension features pushrod-operated Penske dampers, while the EJ12 utilises Brembo brake calipers carbon fibre discs. With increased competition between tyre manufacturers, Jordan has opted to continue its successful partnership with Bridgestone, working closely with the Japanese company during the winter to develop new specification tyres.

Source - Jordan

Famous for bringing a bit of flair and humor to Formula One racing, Irishman Eddie Jordan began Jordan Grand Prix in 1991. The Jordan team was an impressive force winning three races, six front rows and eleven podiums in just a few decades in the business. Based in Northamptonshire England, Jordan Grand Prix is located at a purpose built factory across the road from the Silverstone circuit. Jordan Grand Prix is considered by some to be one of Formula One's best-loved teams.

During the 2002 Formula One season the Jordan EJ12 was introduced. Technical Director Eghbal Hamidy, the head of engineering Tom Holloway and Gary Anderson, the head of test and race engineering, where responsible for the design. The second Formula car to incorporate a works Honda engine; the RA002E was mated to a revised 7-speed Jordan transmission.
Drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato had the auspicious honor of driving of the EJ12. The vehicle debuted at the South circuit at Silverstone on January 22nd.

The staff at Jordan's Silverstone factory toiled through the weekend and completed the final build of the 2002 season challenger early on a Monday morning. Japanese rookie Takuma Sato drove the EJ12 for the first time in front of Jordan's Chief Executive, Eddie Jordan, engineers, mechanics and designers right before lunchtime that Monday. Based on its predecessor the EJ11, the EJ12 was a brand new design featuring new carbon fiber monocoque. This design was complimented by an eye-catching aerodynamic package that featured a swooping front nose section.

Significant design changes were made to accommodate the new engine in the rear. A re-packaged front suspension system was completely re-packaged. New materials and production techniques were implemented in the chassis to reduce the weight even more and the center of gravity. Side-pods were revised to make the side impact structures more efficient, but smaller.

The front and rear suspension of the EJ12 featured composite pushrods activating chassis mounted Penske dampers and torsions bars along with unequal length aerodynamic wishbones, composite top and bottom wishbones and fabricated uprights and anti-roll bar. The brakes were carbon discs all-round. With an overall length of 4,600mm, the car's height was 950 mm, and weighed in at 600 kg.
Holloway, who was in charge of the project, commented that the design of the EJ12 was done completely by committee with everyone giving various input. 'It is impossible for one man to design an F1 car these days'. Within the committee were mechanical designers, aerodynamic designers, the composite designers, the vehicle dynamicists and the race engineering department, all with the involved task of designing the car.

Some of the design on the EJ12 began while working in the wind tunnel to improve the EJ11 during 2011. Holloway stated that the entire chassis design program lasts around 26 weeks, 'from initial design to the first chassis in the workshop.' The chassis assembly and the gearbox being the longest lead time; six weeks from original concept to fitting on the vehicle.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone was the first time Fisichella raced the EJ12. Qualifying at seventeenth place, he was able to finish in seventh place. Unfortunately the EJ12 performed below expectations and sponsors DHL or Deutsche Post weren't found on the following year's Jordan. Fisichella got sixth place on the grid for Montreal and a few fifth places and a final point from Hungary. The EJ12 did still prove to be more capable than BAR Honda, the other team powered by the Honda RA002E. Only 2 points at Suzuka, the car totaled 9 points at the end of the season, Jordan still managed sixth in the championship.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_EJ12
http://www.racecar.com/carsinternational/racestock/stock/ej12.htm
http://www.reocities.com/motorcity/8127/histjord.html
http://www.f1technical.net/f1db/cars/856/jordan-ej12

By Jessica Donaldson