Jordan eyeing new talent

The team faces potential problems in both the short-term and the long-term as it looks for ways to plug the gap soon to be left by the 1996 world champion.

Jos Verstappen had been expected to fill the vacant slot, but the Dutch driver proved no quicker than Shinji Nakano in last week's tests.

However, both drivers' prospects could be boosted by significant sponsorship funds.

Nakano can raise £3.5 million from Japan, while Verstappen is said to have an unknown multi-national sponsor in the wings.

After Verstappen's test, Jordan approached the British American Racing team to enquire about the availability of its reserve driver Mika Salo.

However, the Finn would have to be bought out of his contract, which would probably not appeal to team boss Eddie Jordan.

For 2000, Jordan may also consider David Coulthard and Eddie Irvine, but may find it difficult to net either.

Coulthard is expected to stay at McLaren, and Irvine is weighing up staying at Ferrari with a £6.25 million offer from Ford.

Champ Car star Juan Pablo Montoya or rookie F1 driver Ricardo Zonta, have also been mentioned, but both are on long-term contracts, with Williams and McLaren respectively.

British American Racing is expected to keep Zonta for a second season.

Jarno Trulli is also high on Jordan's list, but he would have to exercise an option to leave Prost.

That comes into play if the team is not in the top six of the Constructors' Championship by a certain date, believed to be the end of this weekend.

However, Trulli is also on a long-term contract with Benetton, and Jordan is reluctant to train up a driver for another team.

The same problem affects Formula 3000 championship leader Nick Heidfeld, who is under contract to McLaren-Mercedes.

It is believed Mercedes offered Jordan the opportunity to take the German on loan.