Verstappen back in the spotlight

Jos Verstappen is back in the spotlight in the rumour mill this week after his management representative Raymond Vermeulen attended a meeting with Eddie Jordan and Trust's CEO Michel Perridon. Since Verstappen and sponsor Trust settled their differences last week, the Dutchman has been tipped to replace Giorgio Pantano at Jordan.

Jos Verstappen.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

The meeting took place on Monday and was reportedly requested by Eddie Jordan. According to Verstappen's website it was only a business discussion between the team boss and Trust and "no conclusions should be drawn" from Vermeulen's presence. However, Verstappen and his management are optimistic.

"My presence that that meeting has to been seen as a positive signal as a result of the renewed co-operation between Trust and Verstappen, that is why Michel Perridon invited me," said Vermeulen. "Both parties have underestimated the faith of this co-operation. That is why we can still see a future for Jos Verstappen in Formula 1."

Speculation has it that Verstappen will test for Jordan again in the near future but there has been no confirmation of this from the team Pre-season negotiations between the two seemed certain to result in Verstappen partnering Nick Heidfeld this season but talks broke down. Jordan blamed Jos' management and signed Pantano instead.

Meanwhile, Trust recently announced a sponsorship deal with Dutch DTM driver Christijan Albers. After being promoted to Mercedes' HWA squad last year, Albers was a favourite for the title, fighting with Bernd Schneider all the way to the final race where Schneider took the championship. Due to the Trust sponsorship, Albers is speculated to be in line for a test with Jordan.