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Known for his flamboyance and for giving Michael Schumacher his first F1 drive in 1991, Jordan passed away in Cape Town on Wednesday morning.
Eddie Jordan during his time as owner of the team bearing his name famed for its yellow livery and bringing Michael Schumacher to prominence at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991. Photo by AURELIA BAILLY / AFP
Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76 after battling an “aggressive form of prostate cancer”, his family announced on Thursday.
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The Irishman revealed in December he was suffering with bladder and prostate cancer, which had spread to his spine and pelvis.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur,” his family said in a statement.
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“He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.
“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”
Breading champions
Jordan’s team, which he named after himself, entered 250 races between 1991 and 2005.
They won four times, with Damon Hill leading home Jordan’s best-ever result – a one-two finish at the infamous rain-hit 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.
Jordan also handed Michael Schumacher his F1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, with the German going on to win a record-breaking seven world championships.
Jordan sold his F1 team in 2005 and subsequently became a TV pundit for British television.
Remembered
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.
“With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.
“Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed. In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula One family are with his family and loved ones.”
Earlier this year, Jordan led a consortium which bought former English rugby Premiership club London Irish. He also recently helped seal F1 design guru Adrian Newey’s switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin.
Aston Martin said in a statement: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eddie Jordan. His impact will be felt across the motorsport community for generations to come.”
Aston Martin F1 team principal Andy Cowell described Jordan as a “one-off”.
“His vision laid the foundations for us and he leaves a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community,” he said.
“Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
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