FORMULA 1: Ralph Firman will be confirmed as Jordan's second driver today and will make his test debut with the Irish team in Valencia next Tuesday, according to sources close to the Irish team. The Formula Nippon champion (27), met Eddie Jordan yesterday to sign a deal which will see him partner Giancarlo Fisichella in the team's Ford-powered EJ13 starting in Melbourne on March 9th. Yesterday, however, Firman's associates were playing their cards close to their chest.

"Nothing's signed yet, but if Eddie chooses to run with Ralph, I'm sure he will be an enormous asset to Jordan during the coming Formula One campaign," said former Formula One driver and RTÉ television pundit David Kennedy, who brokered the deal. "He comes to the team with vast experience . . . He has pace and commitment but also a sensible head on his shoulders, which is crucial, especially in the light of the new rules for this year."

Jordan, too, were remaining cagey, with spokeswoman Helen Temple saying: "Ralph is a driver we are talking to and we are expecting to make an announcement in the next couple of days. Whoever we sign, he will take part in the Valencia test, beginning on February 10th."

Firman has had a seat fitting with the team and will, according to sources, be unveiled in Jordan colours tomorrow. Jordan engine suppliers Ford are believed to have swung the deal for Firman. With Jordan seeking in the region of $5 million to secure the race seat, Ford Ireland are believed to have committed to part-finance the Irish passport-holding driver. Born in Norfolk, Firman's mother hails from Co Kildare.