Heidfeld signs for Jordan

With Heidfeld - who has already tested extensively for Jordan over the winter - now officially on-board the team's second seat is now the last vacancy on the 2004 grid. Jos Verstappen was favourite to take the drive but pulled out last week after failing to agree terms on a contract. Ralph Firman and Allan McNish are both believed to be pushing hard for the seat.

"I am very happy to sign a deal with Jordan-Ford," said Heidfeld. "It was a strange experience doing the tests, especially the last one in Barcelona, without officially being part of the team, because I really felt like I was already a part of Jordan.

"The last couple of weeks and months have been quite difficult for me so not only am I happy to be signing with Jordan, I'm also relieved.

"It's nice to work with all the people here and I'm looking forward to this season very much. It will be exciting to take the new EJ14 car out next week, after spending today at the factory to do my seat fitting and seeing the 2004 car coming together for the first time."

Team boss Eddie Jordan is optimistic that Heidfeld will help turn Jordan's fortunes around. Despite winning the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2003, the EJ13 proved generally uncompetitive and the Bridgestone-shod team struggled against wealthier factory teams.

"I am carefully putting together a strong driver pairing to complement our 2004 package and sponsorship portfolio and signing Nick is the first part of that," Jordan said. "I am optimistic that we have the tools to mount a reasonable contest against the midfield teams this year. Nick is a very quick driver with the talent and experience we need in order to grab every opportunity was can this season."