Wednesday April 19th, 2000

Team boss Eddie Jordan has admitted that his biggest regret after 10 years in Formula One is not working with Jean Alesi, who he believes could have been a world beater.

"If I had one regret it is that I haven't worked with Jean in Formula One, because I honestly believe I could have turned him into the world champion that he should have been," said Jordan.

"The thing about Alesi is that you see his real talent coming out in the wet. He has a natural style and huge experience and he knows how to do it at this level."

Jordan worked with Alesi in Formula 3000, with Alesi living with the Jordans to help to teach him English. Alesi is currently returning the gesture, as Jordan's 17-year-old daughter is living with the Alesis to learn French.

Jordan has since watched Alesi's career with interest and insists that he needs a comforting arm to get the best out of him.

"He got high and mighty with me and went to Ferrari and got involved with a new manager," added Jordan. "He would not cry, but he would get very emotional. He allowed himself to get in a situation at Ferrari where Alain Prost was the boss.

"Now he is trying to build a strong personal relationship with somebody like Alain thinking that it is going to get him through, but in the heat of the moment it is pragmatic.

"I am not saying Jean is not a true professional, but he needs a very kind person to get the best out of him."

Meanwhile, the team aim to celebrate their 150th race this weekend by proving they are leading the chasing pack to Ferrari and McLaren.

"We are the third quickest team and we are closer to Ferrari and McLaren, but we have not proved that so far," said technical director Mike Gascoyne as he prepared for Sunday's race.

"We think we are right behind the top two teams. We are probably 0.2 to 0.3 seconds behind Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in qualifying.

"But then so are their number two drivers (Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard) although they wouldn't like me calling them that. We think we can get in among those drivers. I think we should qualify a close fifth and sixth, but if we get it right and they make some slip-ups then third and fourth is possible."