Grapevine: Firman Moves into Pole for Jordan Job

Jordan hope to announce their second driver this week with Briton Ralph Firman moving into pole position for the job.

Britain's Guardian newspaper reported that Firman, the 27-year-old Formula Nippon champion, would meet Eddie Jordan today to sign a contract to race alongside Italian Giancarlo Fisichella.

Asked about the report, a team spokeswoman said that "at present we have not signed an agreement with any driver. We hope to announce something in the next few days."

Firman and Brazilian Felipe Massa have been leading Jordan's shortlist to replace Japan's Takuma Sato, now the BAR test driver.

The Brazilian former Sauber driver, dropped by the Swiss team to make way for Germany's Heinz-Harald Frentzen, had been considered the favourite due to his experience and financial backing. Jordan have made clear that whoever gets the drive must bring substantial sponsorship with him.

Massa's spokesman Marcio Fonseca told Reuters last week that terms had been agreed but nothing signed and said Massa was anxious to resolve the matter by last weekend.

The Guardian said it appeared that the anticipated funds had not materialised to secure Massa the deal and Firman was set to become Britain's fourth driver on the 20-car grid this year along with David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Justin Wilson.

Firman has tested with McLaren and BAR after winning the 1996 Autosport young driver of the year award. Briton Eddie Irvine, who had hoped to secure the seat, dropped out of the running last month.

Jordan also have a vacancy for a test driver and the spokeswoman said the team had been talking to 21-year-old Briton Gary Paffett, the German Formula Three champion who has been testing recently for McLaren, along with other candidates.

The season is now barely a month away from its first race in Melbourne on March 9 and Jordan are the only team who still have a vacancy to fill. They have yet to announce a title sponsor following the departure of Deutsche Post and have been testing in Spain in an unbranded car.

Austrian energy drink brand Red Bull, widely reported as a potential title sponsor and possible part owner, announced on Saturday that they were renewing their contract as a main backer of Sauber for a ninth year.