Arizona Tribune - Red Bull's Horner fondly recalls 'heart and soul of party' Eddie Jordan

The charismatic Jordan, who died Thursday aged 76, achieved rare success as an independent team owner in the fiercely competitive world of Formula One that he termed mischievously "The Piranha Club".

Jordan F1 made their debut in 1991, winning four grands prix in 15 years in the sport.

The blunt-talking Irishman sold his team to Midland in 2005 and it has gone through several incarnations and now races as Aston Martin.

He remained a prominent figure in motorsport through his work as a TV pundit.

Horner told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix that Jordan took him under his wing when the now Red Bull team principal was an aspiring racing driver in 1991.

"He had just moved into a factory that he built at Silverstone and he took the time with me late one evening to talk about the next steps in my career," said Horner.

"And his advice was: 'You need a good sponsor'.

"He was such a big character, an inspirational character to have taken his team from effectively Formula 4 to 'The Piranha Club'," Horner added.

"He was just a larger than life character. He was always fun to have around. He was the heart and soul of any party."

Jordan, who had been battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer before his death, was also a talented musician who played the drums.

"His love of music was legendary," added Horner. "He and his band, they would want to play anywhere.

"He'll just be very sadly missed. I think the sport is a poorer place for not having him around any more."

Jordan handed Michael Schumacher his F1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, with the German going on to win a record seven world championships.

"The amount of young drivers he gave an opportunity to, he was a great champion of young talents," said Horner.

"Not just drivers, but you know, engineers and technicians and designers, so many people in this paddock owe him a debt of gratitude for the opportunities that he provided.

"So it was a very sad day to learn of his passing."

O.Ortiz--AT