Grapevine: Jordan Cosworth Deal Secured

Jordan have secured their deal to run Cosworth engines from next season with suggestions remaining that it will be badged as a Ford, according to sources at the Ford-owned Jaguar team.

The new three-year engine deal looks likely to be announced at the next Grand Prix in Hungary, and Jaguar staff have been assured it will not affect their own plans.

"The team has been told the deal is done but it won't affect Jaguar's future," said a source close to Jaguar, who could not confirm whether Ford or Cosworth branding would be used.

It is understood that Jaguar managing director Guenther Steiner revealed the decision to staff at a meeting in the team's Milton Keynes factory last week.

Ford have underlined their commitment to Jaguar Racing recently and will continue to support their efforts despite three costly and unsuccessful years since their debut in 2000.

Jordan's deal with current engine suppliers Honda runs until the end of next season, but they will end their association one year early. The team could not comment on whether there will be a pay-off from Honda.

If Ford do fund the engines, that will leave the team free to pick their second driver and Japan's Takuma Sato, who is highly rated by team boss Eddie Jordan, could continue his long-term contract.

But if Jordan need to foot the bill for the new power units, the cost is believed to be around $12 million per year and the team would have to find the extra funding.

Sponsors Deutsche Post could pay, but the German company's extra cash is only expected to be made available if the team re-hires former race winner Heinz-Harald Frentzen.