Grapevine: Paffett Makes Late Bid for Jordan Seat

F3 champion Gary Paffett has joined the race for the last seat available in Formula One, making a late bid for the Jordan Grand Prix seat, albeit being short on money.

Britain's The Sunday Mirror reports today that 21 year old Paffett, who has tested in the past with McLaren, has Eddie Jordan's support but is still missing some $3 million (USD) in order to secure the seat. He is up against Felipe Massa and Ralph Firman.

"The one thing I do know is that I am ready for Formula One, as a test driver or even a race driver. I'm certain of that now," Paffett told the newspaper. "Testing with McLaren has reinforced my confidence. Anybody looking at my times will realise that I have been going quickly. I feel very comfortable in the car and in the Formula One environment.

"It was my plan to try to get a test drive this year, with a view to racing next year, and I would still be happy with that kind of arrangement. But if I had the chance to race for a team this year, it would be very difficult to turn down. Whether it's racing or testing, I'm very hopeful I'll be with a Formula One team this year."

The Sunday Mirror further reports that Paffett's manager, Martin Hines, is now raising money to secure the Jordan drive, also attempting to lure investors in the same way Justin Wilson did when he secured his Minardi seat.

"If I've got to find the money I will," Hines said. "If the chance is there, Gary deserves it. We're doing all we can. I've known Gary since he was nine years old and I have no doubts that he can be something special. Like Nigel Mansell, he's come from nothing and like Mansell he can go all the way."

Jordan's remaining seat, alongside Giancarlo Fisichella, has been left open since the team parted ways with Takuma Sato, now signed as BAR's test driver. Initially, reports suggested Eddie Irvine was in line for the seat but the Ulsterman said a couple of weeks ago that he could not come up with the money required by the team and was therefore retiring from Formula One.

Brazilian Massa looked set to secure the seat, with backing from Brazilian sponsors, however recent reports in Brazil suggest the deal fell through at the last minute, leaving Briton Ralph Firman as the strong candidate.

Nevertheless, recent speculations suggest Jordan might be after two drivers - with one set to race alongside Fisichella and the other test for the team during the new Friday morning testing slot.