Ross Kemp - a hit in the pits!

UK television personality Ross Kemp concluded his third and final race weekend with the Jordan-Honda team at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone this weekend, where his experience and training culminated in him participating in the 23-man pit stop crew.

Kemp (ex-Eastenders star Grant Mitchell) was responsible for the exhaust shield, which prevents fuel from splashing into the exhaust during refuelling, for both of Heinz-Harald Frentzen's pit stops. He was thrilled by the experience, exclaiming: "I can't even tell you how nerve-wracking it was! I was so anxious to get it right for Heinz and for the team, particularly considering the importance of pit stops in race strategy."

Kemp was fitted up with a heart rate monitor to measure the physical effects of the pit stop environment and his heart rate raced to 100 (average resting rate is 80) when Frentzen's car swooped in front of the Jordan garage for its first stop.

Ross Kemp worked with Jordan at the Austrian and French Grands Prix earlier this year and to begin with he was nervous and unsure of what to expect. However during three races as an honorary member of the Jordan team, he immersed himself in the team's spirit and in the process has learned much about the reality of Formula One. Ross Kemp's involvement was not taken lightly, and he underwent intense training and supervision, trying his hand at various tasks and positions throughout pit stop practices in preparation for his role in the real thing at the Silverstone race.

Jordan's Chief Truckie, Gerard O'Reilly, was happy with Kemp's ability and approach. "Ross fitted in really well with the whole team and enjoyed joining in the team spirit. He's a great and genuine guy and just got stuck in to his tasks and was happy to get his hands dirty."

"I've been a Formula One fan for many years, and my time with the Jordan team has been a real eye opener," said Kemp. "The hours and dedication that the entire team puts in is just incredible. I had never imagined how much work goes into making a Grand Prix happen but having the opportunity to actually be involved has made me see how tough a sport this is. There is so much more to it than 11 teams, 22 cars and 22 drivers just turning up at a circuit to race." Did he enjoy it? 2I absolutely loved it. But one thing I will say - these boys make it look so easy. I promise you, it's not!"