Davidson still in running for Jordan

BAR test driver Anthony Davidson is still in with a chance of taking the spare race seat at Jordan while the team struggles to find a major sponsor after losing Deutsche Post. Davidson had earlier said he would not go to a team purely as a ...

BAR test driver Anthony Davidson is still in with a chance of taking the spare race seat at Jordan while the team struggles to find a major sponsor after losing Deutsche Post. Davidson had earlier said he would not go to a team purely as a 'pay-driver' and Eddie Jordan has made no secret that he is looking for someone who can bring substantial backing with them. However, team sponsor Benson and Hedges are keen to have a British driver on board which could give Davidson his chance.

Anthony Davidson.

Photo by Mark Gledhill.

"The Jordan drive is still up for grabs. I actually stand in quite a good position," he said at the Autosport International show last weekend. "Benson and Hedges are obviously looking for a British driver, and there's not many around at the moment. We haven't got any money, but Eddie Jordan has got his back to the wall. That puts us in a good position."

"At the moment it does need a little bit of money to get the drive, but Eddie's in a situation where he also needs a British driver. Since no British driver has any money to throw around he's in a difficult position. If he can find extra sponsorship then basically we're in."

Jordan is due to run the EJ13 starting January 20th, after which the team is expected to announce its driver line up for 2003. There have been rumours recently in the European press that the Red Bull energy drink company is waiting in the wings, ready to pursue a buy-out of Jordan, which is reportedly in financial crisis. There has been no official comment from either party and so far the scenario is just speculation.