Heidfeld Signs Preliminary Agreement with Jordan

Nick Heidfeld has agreed to cut his salary to secure a Formula One lifeline with Jordan next season - but could be dropped before he gets to compete in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Highly-rated German Heidfeld, who was released by Sauber at the end of this season after three years with the Swiss team, will test for Jordan at Jerez in Spain this week.

A spokeswoman for Heidfeld said the German had signed a preliminary agreement to drive for the Silverstone-based squad next year.

"Nick has reached an agreement to race for Jordan next year but there is still an option for the team to pull out of the deal if they cannot raise the funding they need," the spokeswoman said.

It is understood that Jordan still need to raise money to complete their budget next year and as Heidfeld is not thought to be bringing significant funding he could be released if the team need to cash in on a pay driver.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella left the team at the end of this season to join Sauber and his former teammate Ralph Firman is still in discussions over retaining his seat next season.