Formula One racing has never found it difficult to get sponsors. The glitzy world attracts the international brands with consummate ease. However, what Mr Eddie Jordan pulled off last week was quite special. The Irish F1 entrepreneur brought the US investment bank, Warburg Pincus, on board as an investor as well as a sponsor while retaining majority control of his team.

Warburg Pincus, of course, is not new to the world of Irish business. It helped to finance Mr Ralph Ingersoll's investment in the Irish Press.

That came to a sticky end, however, and left the bank facing a High Court action for damages from the Irish Press. The Margin understands that hearings are expected to begin early next year.