de Cesaris shines in green
For 1991, Andrea de Cesaris was signed by Eddie Jordan (picture-above) for his team’s first season in Formula One, alongside Bertrand Gachot. Jordan had already run de Cesaris in Formula 3. The Jordan 191-Cosworth designed by Gary Anderson was a very sound car and de Cesaris started to show his form in Monaco, where he was fast but was forced to retire while in the points.
In the next race in Canada he finished fourth, and then repeated this result next time out in Mexico.The following race in France he finished sixth, showing consistency unknown for him till now.
At Spa, a circuit he always shone on, and despite the pressure of being out-qualified by debutant teammate Michael Schumacher, de Cesaris moved through the field to take second position and was closing in on race leader Senna until his car’s Ford HB blew.
De Cesaris finished the season 9th in the standings, his best result since 1983. For the relatively small and poorly financed Jordan team it was a great first season. Despite Eddie Jordan’s desire to keep de Cesaris for the 1992 season, financial realities meant it was not possible. Jordan had secured sponsorship from Barclay Cigarettes, but de Cesaris was a Marlboro-sponsored driver, and the Italian left and was hired by Ken Tyrrell.