Jordan Dubai links grow stronger

A statement attributed to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said: "The Emirate of Dubai is pleased to announce that following extensive planning and development, Grand Prix Investments (GPI) is negotiating to acquire, operate and manage an F1 team, to be headquartered in Dubai.

"I am delighted to reconfirm my support to GPI and the purchase of an F1 team which will become known as the 'official' Dubai team.

"This is an exciting time for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates and the team will compete with the very best in motorsport and assist in promoting the country on a global basis."

Stories linking Jordan with an Arab buy-out have been rife in the paddock for some time, many of them suggesting that the team would be moved lock, stock and barrel to the UAE. This has always been fanciful, however, considering that, logistically, a European base is still considered vital within the F1 industry. A spokesman for the Belgravia Group, which advises the Maktoums, confirmed that the plan would be to leave any team involved with a European base while also establishing an HQ in Dubai.

Eddie Jordan denied, however, that any concrete decisions had been made: "Jordan Grand Prix has read with interest the statement issued by the Emirate of Dubai.

"The team is frequently associated with such stories and the prospect of Jordan Grand Prix being in talks is not extraordinary. Jordan will always issue a press release if it concludes an agreement with sponsors or investors and unless there is something to report the team has no comment."

Jordan added: "I am willing to look at any involvement that will get Jordan Grand Prix back to the top and fighting for wins, but of course it will have Eddie Jordan involved in it. The sport is my life and my passion."