Dutchman Jos Verstappen has emerged as the latest candidate for the vacant seat at Jordan as he insisted he was "very positive" he would be back on the grid next season.
The 30-year-old was thought to be vying with countryman Christijan Albers for the drive at Minardi alongside British rookie Justin Wilson.
But Verstappen - who spent the New Year in Norway skiing with old friend and former team-mate Michael Schumacher - has revealed he is in talks with other teams.
Only Jordan have a vacancy for the 2003 campaign which gets underway in Australia on March 9th.
"We know what we are doing and, although nothing is sure in Formula One, it looks good," said Verstappen, who has been without a drive since being surprisingly dropped by cash-strapped Arrows before the start of last season.
"In F1 everything involves money, but there are other details to work on. We are in contact with all teams where we think they can offer me a chance. The general public might think that we are only talking with Minardi but that is not true.
"We are speaking with other teams as well. That is all I can say, it is very sensitive. We know what we are doing. Although nothing is sure in Formula One, it looks good and I am very positive that I will return."
Jordan denied before Christmas that a deal to bring 37-year-old Eddie Irvine back to the team as partner of Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella had already been agreed.
British rookies Ralph Firman and Richard Lyons were being considered as the successor to Takuma Sato, the team confirmed.