Tearful triumph of charm and guile

Eddie Jordan cried profusely as he sat on the pit wall, while Damon Hill steered his Jordan Mugen-Honda over the last miles of the historic maiden victory for the Irish team. The Dubliner's thoughts were of the tremendous sacrifices he and his believers have made to make yesterday a reality.

Jordan was born and grew up in Dartry, son of an EBS accountant, in a household where his mother Eileen provided a commercial kindergarten: "My father was quiet and retiring - I take after the mother," he smirks.

After school in Synge St CBS, Jordan started dentistry in UCD but six months later an offer of ready cash attracted him to the Bank of Ireland. "The bank strike in 1970 really started me in motor racing. I went to Jersey and tried karting." Instantly addicted, his drive, charm, and commercial skill, quickly saw him move to the top of Irish motorsport. Crashes and broken legs peppered his route to winning the Irish Formula Atlantic championship in 1978.

Later, his deal-making ability showed through when he landed £50,000 sponsorship from Marlboro to race Formula 3 in England. In 1980 he drove for and managed Donegalman Derek McMahon's F3 team based in Silverstone. "I was 29 - I had driven once in F2 and tested John Watson's F1 car but I was too old to get into F1. So I decided to turn to team management." Thus started days of great sacrifice for Eddie. "I was lucky to have Martin Brundle in my second year. He fought with Ayrton Senna for the title up to the last race and made a name for the team," said Jordan. The brilliant Johnny Herbert won the F3 crown for Jordan in 1986 and three years later Jordan was king of F3000 with Jean Alesi. Only the final rung - the top of world motorsport remained: "Formula One is the dream of everyone in motor racing. I had to do it."

Jordan was a millionaire by 1990 but by September 1991, even though his Gary Anderson designed car was scoring points, he was on the verge of insolvency. "The bills were huge and even though we had good sponsors, it was not enough," he says. The green 7UP Jordan 191 finished fifth in the constructors' championship in 1991, but the following two seasons were poor; but financial stability arrived in the shape of sponsors Sasol.

Thereafter, the immense marketing value of the sport - watched by 330 million regularly - has ensured the team's solid financial base. Last year was the team's best ever - 28 points scored and Fisichella knocking on the door of that maiden victory. "We've had pole positions, fastest laps, second places - but there is nothing to compare to winning," he smiled last night. "We have had tremendous support, especially in Ireland, even in our darkest hours, so I hope everyone at home will share the joy of this occasion with us."