F1 SPONSOR GAINS WAS JUST THE PITS

THE Government's bid to capitalise on its sponsorship of the Jordan F1 racing team almost hit the skids over problems in getting the owner and his drivers to attend promotional events.

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State papers released under the 30-year rule reveal diplomats encountered difficulties getting Eddie Jordan and drivers Eddie Irvine and Rubens Barrichello to appear at events organised by Irish embassies.

One ambassador said the team had shown “no great enthusiasm for any event" and might only do “the minimum to humour a minor sponsor”.