Lassee talks to David Brown at Barcelona.

19 year old German Marcel Lassee will get his first taste of driving a Formula One car today at Jordan Honda’s test in Barcelona.

The highly-rated winner of the 2001 German Formula Renault Championship will join his role models Michael and Ralf Schumacher on the track at the Circuit de Catalunya, in an exciting opportunity to drive the Jordan Honda EJ11 for two days. Undaunted by the task ahead Lassee said, "I feel very relaxed about my first outing, however, I am sure this will change. I don't have any fear, just respect. I intend to follow instructions and try to be fast."

Eddie Jordan will be hoping to steal a march on his rival team bosses as he did with both Schumachers. He said, "Giving young talent a chance in Formula One is something Jordan believes in and it’s something we’re good at. I agreed with Marcel a while ago that if he won the German Formula Renault Championship, I would give him a test in Formula One. I think he’s got a good career ahead of him and he’s in a young breed of up-and-coming German drivers, started by Michael, who made his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991.”

Deutsche Post Worldnet, one of Jordan's primary sponsors, actively support a German young driver programme, with the intent to recruit fresh talent to Formula One.
Their initiative has led to Marcel’s unique opportunity to test his ability and bring the experience to his next challenge in 2002 - winning the German F3 Renault Championship.

The other positive point for Jordan fans is that, while many sponsors are still in contract discussion for 2002, this confirms Deutsche Post's involvement with the Irish team for the next year at least.