Jordan Must Decide on Massa Soon, Warns Manager

Jordan Grand Prix have been given until the middle of next month to secure a deal with a potential sponsor before Brazilian target Felipe Massa walks away.

The Silverstone-based team, which recently lost major sponsor Deutsche Post, could sign Massa to secure a lucrative deal with a new backer thought to be from South America. But Massa's manager Ricardo Tedeschi warned the team to land the deal quickly - because the clock is counting down on the Brazilian driver's other options.

"Jordan have confirmed that Felipe would be first on their list but they still have to sort out problems with their budget," said Tedeschi. "They are trying to finalise an agreement with a major sponsor and if they agree then I think we can do something."

But Massa, who made his Grand Prix debut for Sauber this year, is still wanted as a test driver by his former team and Tedeschi admitted they want a decision soon.

"The situation is very clear," he said. "It is impossible for Jordan to sign a contract with any driver until the sponsorship is sorted. I am waiting until the middle of December but then I will have to go with another option. It will be too late."

Jordan currently have Japanese driver Takuma Sato on contract for next year but have admitted he may be forced out to secure a better commercial deal. Major backers Benson and Hedges are yet to sign a continuation of their contract and are understood to want a British driver in the team's line-up.

Former Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine is on the list of possible candidates but will lose out if Jordan can secure the deal that promises Massa a seat.