Renewed optimism for Jordan

After a few fraught weeks, if not months, Jordan has a renewed optimism about making it to the grid in Melbourne for the start of the 2005 season. Since Ford announced it was withdrawing from F1, and Cosworth was put up for sale, Jordan has been hunting for an engine supply and Toyota has reportedly offered its services.

Nick Heidfeld.

Photo by Jordan Grand Prix.

There has been no official confirmation of a deal with the manufacturer but something has certainly given Jordan a boost. In Brazil the team's business director Ian Phillips had said the engine issue was unresolved, and there was even talk that Jordan might have to sit out next season. Now, however, it's a different story.

"Things are looking much more optimistic and we are now 99% certain that we will be on the grid for the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne next March," said Phillips, according to The Guardian. "It has been a nerve-racking past few weeks but we're now looking forward to the future."

It's rumoured that Jordan has agreed an engine deal with Toyota and in return Toyota test driver Ryan Briscoe will race one of the yellow cars next season. Toyota had previously said it had no plans to supply another team but in Brazil, once the FIA had announced the engine rules for 2005, the manufacturer changed its mind.

"Now that it's a two-race engine, and because there seems to be a crisis for supply, we are, I think, prepared to do it," Toyota president John Howett told Reuters last weekend.

He added that there was a very short time span in which an agreement could be settled, but it was possible. "If somebody clearly can get a deal together that is sensible, then we may definitely consider supplying."

Ford chief Tony Purnell also confirmed in Brazil that Cosworth had made an offer to Jordan, now that the engine specifications for 2005 have not changed. However, it would be on different terms from this year's deal and it appears that Toyota is a better option for Jordan.