Alesi's Manager: Jordan 2002 Deal Not Signed Yet

Following comments from French driver Jean Alesi that he has already signed with Jordan for next year, his manager Mario Miyakawa has denied that a deal is done.

Alesi will drive for Jordan for the remaining five races of the season, but although his future is not yet secure at the team for 2002, Miyakawa believes it is only a matter of time.

"I really think this is the impression that we have but I cannot say it's signed because it is not," said Miyakawa. "We have an option with Jordan but we are still in discussions now and it is not confirmed. The situation looks very good but he did not discuss it before driving so that he was sure it was the right move."

However, Miyakawa said that Alesi was impressed after his recent test with Jordan and, as long as the Jordan side is suitably impressed with him, he should be able to sign a deal in the near future.

"Tonight we will have the real feedback from Jean," Miyakawa said. "But the meetings he had with the engineers were very good and he is very impressed with the level of the team. Things will not be decided before Hungary but definitely soon. Honda look very happy about working altogether, but of course there are lots of things to see together."

Alesi raced for the Jordan team in Formula 3000 before leaving to join Tyrrell in Formula One in 1989. Since then he has clocked up 196 races, but just one win, and he is clearly looking forward to getting his career back on track at Jordan.