by 
4th March, 2002
Jones motivated by DJR
call-up
While Mark Webber basks in the glow of his dream Grand Prix debut
yesterday, Australia's last Formula One World Champion, Alan Jones, is
getting back behind the wheel.
 Jones, the
1980 F1 champion and winner of eleven Grands Prix, has signed with Dick
Johnson Racing to contest this year's V8 Supercar endurance events.
Joining the team's impressive driving squad of Steven Johnson, Paul
Radisich and Greg Ritter, Jones will partner either series campaigners
Johnson or Radisich at both the Queensland 500 and Bathurst 1000.
"I am just delighted to be in a competitive car and a competitive
team again, it's a great opportunity, and I intend to make the most of
it," he said.
"Over the past few seasons I got pretty sick of being passed in a
straight line by those Shell Fords, so I can't wait to get my hands on
one...they are a seriously good team with great equipment, and I
couldn't ask for more."
The seasoned Touring Car campaigner, twice a podium finisher at Bathurst,
says he has unfinished business on Mount Panorama.
Joining the team that has set the pace at Bathurst recently, his first
truly competitive ride for some time, Jones believes, "this will be
my first chance to remedy that for some years."
Team principal, Dick Johnson acknowledged Gold Coast-based Jones' vast
experience, both here and abroad.
"When you're as good as Alan you don't forget how to do it, either,
so I have no doubt he will be very fast and a strong anchor for the
team, whichever driver combination we decide on," said Johnson.
"It was a matter of getting the right balance for the team and he
is the perfect fit, plus you can't believe how motivated he is - there's
no doubt getting back into a competitive car he's out to prove a
point."
So motivated, in fact, the portly 54-year-old has promised to hit the
gym and shape-up for the gruelling endurance assignment.
Jones will test extensively with the team prior to the Queensland 500 in
September.
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