Davidson Not Expecting to Land Jordan Drive

Briton Anthony Davidson said today that he does not expect to be handed the Jordan drive after the team's talks with Eddie Irvine broke down - even though he is now the leading British driver in the running for the drive this year.

Davidson, who drove in two races for Minardi last year, is currently in Barcelona with his BAR Honda team undertaking testing duties, but his manager is in constant contact with Jordan about the seat alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.

He was tipped for the drive after Benson and Hedges revealed a desire to sign a British driver and his blend of youth and experience was seen as ideal to take the cash-strapped team forward.

"We haven't heard anything so I guess Jordan have found someone else," said Davidson. "If Irvine has been told he has no chance then that probably means they have signed someone or are very close to signing someone."

Davidson, however, was left in the dark about his Minardi drive last year until a telephone call from Atlas F1 alerted him and he called his manager to be told he would take part in the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix.

But the driver suggested that former Sauber driver Felipe Massa is now favourite to win the final seat on this year's Grand Prix grid and insisted his manager is not hiding anything from him.

"I hope not," joked Davidson. "I'll kill him if he is this time! No, I am sure he has not heard anything. I think they will go with a Massa or someone like that who maybe has Red Bull money.

"The car is looking completely stealth at the moment - it looks great - and I guess they are running it like that to give the new sponsor a big show when they are revealed."

A Jordan source indicated the team are now in final negotiations with the as-yet unnamed driver and the associated sponsor but a spokesperson for the team insisted no deals have yet been finalised.

"The details of Jordan's negotiations with drivers regarding available seats in 2003 are confidential," said the spokesperson. "Eddie Jordan is looking to put together the package, including drivers and commercial partnerships, which is best for the team."