Jordan finalizing launch plans

Jordan is expected to reveal its 2003 chassis and driver line up after the EJ13 undergoes initial tests in mid-January. Despite much speculation surrounding whom will be partnering Giancarlo Fisichella this season, Jordan remains adamant that no decision has been made about the vacant race seat. At least four drivers have been linked with the team, some more strongly than others, but no deal has been done.

"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," said a report on F1jordan.com. "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, so the stories linking the team definitively with certain drivers are rather wide of the mark."

Eddie Irvine, Enrique Bernoldi, Felipe Massa and more recently Jos Verstappen have been names in the frame for the Jordan seat. Since 2002 driver Takuma Sato left the team to go to BAR as reserve driver, the rumours have been escalating but who ends up along side Fisichella will not be known until Jordan is good and ready.