Grapevine: Albers Closing In on Jordan Test Seat

Jordan Grand Prix are close to signing Dutchman Christijan Albers as a test driver for this season in a deal that could be worth $2.5 million (USD) in sponsorship for the team.

Albers is understood to have recently visited Jordan's Silverstone factory and his manager, Lodewijk Varossieau, insisted he has the sponsorship package to secure the deal.

"We are delighted Jordan are interested and we will do anything we can to take this chance," said Varossieau. "We hope they want Christijan and although there is no deal yet it looks very good."

Varossieau had claimed before the start of the year that Albers would drive alongside Jos Verstappen at Minardi this season but that deal fell through and he is hoping to reach a deal with Jordan.

"We hoped Christijan would be in a Minardi this year alongside Jos but that did not happen," he said. "We decided to go our own way instead and we hope this works out."

Albers denied any knowledge of the drive, which would have to run in line with his current deal to drive in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) for Mercedes this year. If the deal goes ahead Albers could be in a Jordan at the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks, where he would take part in the Friday morning sessions in a third car alongside race drivers Ralph Firman and Giancarlo Fisichella.