Jordan presses on with 2005 car

Although the outfit concluded its customer supply deal with the Japanese manufacturer late last year, Toyota has had to spend several weeks increasing its engine manufacturing capabilities to get enough engines ready for its own team as well as Jordan.

The arrival of the engines so late in Jordan's build process has effectively meant the team is forced to start the season with an interim version of the EJ15 - which will effectively be an upgraded version of last year's EJ14 designed around the new power-units.

Although the team has yet to set an official date for the first running of the car, it is not expected to take place until the first or second week of February.

The team's new technical director Mark Smith has confirmed, however, that plans are underway for a major development to take place in the middle of the season.

"I would be very cautious about expectations for the first races of 2005 but I am confident that we can start really doing something once the season is underway, so don't be hasty in writing us off," he told Autosport. "Once we are able to move forward from this start point, the plan is to look at a significant development mid season."

Jordan has yet to confirm any of its drivers for 2005 and there appears to be no shortage of candidates, with Robert Doornbos and Timo Glock among the leading contenders.

The future ownership of the team still remains subject to much speculation. Christian Horner's appointment as the new sporting director of Red Bull Racing has obviously ruled him out of any takeover bid, while Alex Shnaider, the owner of the new Midland F1 outfit, is still believed to be interested in a takeover deal.