Classic Formula One Livery —The Jordan 191
Michael Schumacher Drove It At Spa-Francorchamps In His F1 Debut At The Belgian GP
This car is a legend. It was the car that F1 legend Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut in at Spa. It is the Jordan 191 with a Ford Cosworth 3.5 l V8 that produced 650 horsepower.
They don’t make cars like this these days. It was all pulling power, handling, and speed in a straightforward design. Today, a driver rolls out onto the track with a machine that is so high-tech, it takes a team to start the engine.
Computers control everything. Telemetry ensures the car is in constant communication with the team’s race control and engineers. Computers even send data back to the factory. The Jordan 191 was all driver. The steering wheel was without electronics, and the car shifted gears according to the hand input by the driver.
Schumacher drove the 191 only once in a race, The Belgian GP. Two weeks out from his F1 debut. Benetton chief Flavio Briatore wrangled the 22-year-old, and Michael joined Benetton just hours before the next race at Monza.
The 191 strutted the 7up colors. The 191 was known for a gorgeous green on top with a rich blue around the bottom. The 7up logo flies proudly.
Look closely at the shape of the car. A sloping nose with a large front wing takes you up to the cockpit. Compared to today’s cars, there is not much protection for the driver in the 191. The rear wing cleans up the airflow as it closes around the Jordan.
Jordan built six of these cars. Team owner Eddie Jordan hired Schumacher, then a Mercedes Team driver, to drive the 1991 entry at the Belgian GP. Spa-Francorchamps is the perfect place for such a debut.
There was a recent TV special where Schumacher’s son Mick takes his Dad’s car out for a spin 30 years later. I am sure it was a special moment for Mick, his Dad, and the entire family.
Race fans had the chance to remember a classic Formula One car in its glory once more.
I invite you to read more.
*** *** ***
Project 300 12/300 10092021
*** *** ***
Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer & journalist based on the west coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, and workplace issues!
You’re welcome to share your thoughts or tell me your story. Email me here. [email protected]
Copyright © 2021 AstonBell Media
All rights reserved.
*** *** ***
