Technical director Smith leaves Jordan

According to various media sources, technical director Mark Smith has left Jordan in the wake of the announcement that the Midland Group will take over the team. Smith only returned to Jordan at the beginning of December, after a stint at Benetton/Renault, and said he was looking forward to playing a part in "the next Jordan generation".

However, presumably Midland was not the generation Smith anticipated as he reportedly resigned his post on Friday. So far there has been no comment from Jordan. It seems that Gary Anderson may now fill the technical director role, while Smith has been linked with a possible move to Toyota.

Speculation suggests that other Jordan members, such as aerodynamicists and engineers are also departing, either by their own choice or due to company restructuring. Eddie Jordan recently said that he hoped Midland's involvement would make the team stronger, but there have been questions raised about the Group's motives.

Meanwhile, Midland's managing director Colin Kolles has been quoted as saying he is keen Anthony Davidson, but Davidson said neither he nor his manager been contacted. Although pleased by the supposed interest, BAR's test driver is not about to rush into anything.

"Yes I want to race, but at the moment the team has not even done one test yet," Davidson said in regard to Midland, according to Autosport. "Melbourne is just around the corner, so if anything is going to happen it has to be very quick."

"Until we are approached (by Midland) it is not worth thinking about -- it's like a 'virtual' possible drive. There are too many 'ifs'. I have not got excited about it, but it is nice to see everyone talking about me. Let's wait and see."