Jordan shakedown at Silverstone

Jordan shookdown its new EJ14 at Silverstone today with Nick Heidfeld behind the wheel and reportedly it all went well. The car featured the logo of Trust, Jos Verstappen's main sponsor, on the side, which could indicate negotiations between the team and Verstappen are not yet at an end.

Other sponsor logos include Benson and Hedges, Lazarus and Gametrac and on the engine cover '04-04-04' -- the date of the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix. The car is due to complete its first test this week with Heidfeld driving and Timo Glock will accompany him in the interim EJ13 chassis, on the 4th and 5th.

"It’s good to be here with the team, I feel at home already and the first test of a new car is always something special," said Heidfeld. "The car looks good and I’ve done quite a few laps with no technical problems. Unfortunately it rained overnight so the track was wet all day and while usually I like driving in the wet, I'm looking forward to driving the new car in dry conditions."

Team boss Eddie Jordan added: "I'm happy to say that the EJ14 is a step forward from last year’s car. It has been a team effort with our experts from each field contributing their part. We’ve seen the biggest improvement in aerodynamics that we have ever seen from one year’s car to another. Time will tell whether that means we will catch up with the guys who were ahead of us last year but I am feeling optimistic, as always!"

"Many of our partners have stayed loyal to the team and I hope we will have a few surprises to come before the season starts. Right now, Jordan is here with a brand new car and I'm very encouraged by what I have to show off this week."

James Robinson, Head of Race and Test Engineering is optimisitc: "In twenty years in the motor racing business, this is the first time I’ve seen a car go together so quickly and that’s a credit to all the technical departments and the teamwork that has gone into building this car," he said.

"Technically speaking it was a problem-free shakedown, which is an excellent start. We’re really looking forward to learning more about the EJ14 at the test session later this week."

Heidfeld was officially confirmed as race driver for the team last week and the other seat is expected to be announced shortly. Verstappen broke off talks with Jordan recently due to being unable to agree on a contract, but the Dutchman is still a favourite to complete the line up.