Ford: No Cosworth Engine Deal Closed Yet

The Jordan Formula One team have not yet closed the deal for a supply of Cosworth engines for the 2003 season, Ford's group vice-president Richard Parry-Jones said on Wednesday.

Silverstone-based Jordan are expected to switch from Honda power-plants to Ford-owned Cosworth for next season with a full link up with the car manufacturer rumoured to be on the cards.

But Parry-Jones insisted that any deal with Jordan is not complete, although he did confirm Cosworth are in discussions with a number of teams over a supply of engines for 2003.

"There has been a great deal of media speculation in the past few days concerning the supply of Cosworth engines to F1 teams next year," Parry-Jones said in a statement.

"As an engine supplier, Cosworth Racing is in discussion with teams about the possible supply of engines for next season.

"This is perfectly normal practice and in the event of any agreement, an official statement would be made through Cosworth Racing at the appropriate time."

Cosworth currently supply Jaguar Racing and the cash-strapped Arrows team, who have struggled to fund the engines in recent months.