Jordan delay naming F1 driver line-up

Jordan will wait until at least the middle of this month before announcing their driver line-up for 2003.

Jordan will wait until at least the middle of this month before announcing their driver line-up for 2003.

Eddie Jordan's team dropped Takuma Sato last month as financial worries forced the Irishman to look for pay drivers next season after the withdrawal of major sponsor Deutsche Post.

Current sponsors Benson & Hedges are believed to want a British driver, with Eddie Irvine leading the chase but the likes of Jos Verstappen, Felipe Massa and Enrique Bernoldi would bring substantial personal sponsorship.

But the team have confirmed no decision will be announced until tests on the all-new Ford-powered car later this month.

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A team statement said: "Jordan is currently finalising launch plans together with Ford and team sponsors, and preparing to unveil the team livery and driver line-up following the Jordan Ford EJ13's initial tests in mid-January.

"The car build programme is well underway and going efficiently to schedule, with staff returning from Christmas and New Year holidays feeling very excited at how the new car looks.

"In spite of intense media speculation concerning various drivers and their possible links with Jordan, the team has made no decision concerning either the second race seat or reserve driver.

"Team boss Eddie Jordan is concentrating on finalising sponsorship agreements prior to making any decisions or announcements regarding the driver line-up."

PA