Firman Pushes Claim to Jordan Drive

Briton Ralph Firman has revived his hopes of being kept on by Jordan this season after Dutch driver Jos Verstappen failed to reach a deal with the Formula One team.

Firman, who made his debut for Jordan in 2003, said in a statement on his website on Wednesday that he would deliver if kept on. Jordan are the only team looking for drivers for the season starting in Australia on March 7 and have several candidates including Germany's Nick Heidfeld and Briton Allan McNish.

Verstappen's management said on his website on Tuesday that talks with Jordan had broken down. Firman hoped he could now get the job.

"I know Jordan don't look back on last year with any satisfaction," he said. "They acknowledge it as being their worst ever year and I drove their second car in their worst ever year in my first ever year in F1.

"But I also know that if I step into the EJ14 I would go to Melbourne with a foundation of experience behind me, a team which I know and really like and with the absolute confidence that we will make a big step forward from last year.

"I know absolutely that I have an immense amount to bring to Jordan in a second season within F1. I can bring the car home in one piece and score points for Jordan, which surely is what matters most now for Jordan."

Firman, who scored one point in 14 starts, said he had followed all the media speculation about drivers.

"While that has been frustrating at times I respect the fact that the team has to examine all its options and find the best possible combination of drivers and financial support to go racing in the best way possible.

"I know that the team has not yet taken up their option on me because I don't have a major sponsor to bring and they also criticised my one lap qualifying at times last year," he added.

Firman said he had been working to try to raise sponsorship and did not agree with criticism of his driving.

"I know in myself that when I learn a formula, I always perform and sooner or later win the Championship," he declared. "This I always do."