Jordan Not Ruling Out Pantano Return for US GP

Team boss Eddie Jordan said on Saturday that he expects German Timo Glock to claim a top-ten finish in his debut Formula One race for the team at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, but the Irishman admitted he was hopeful Giorgio Pantano would be back for the US GP.

Glock replaced regular racer Pantano before the Saturday practice sessions after the Italian driver failed to settle what is understood to be a financial dispute between his family and his management.

Glock, 22, drives on the Friday of every Grand Prix weekend as the team's official test driver having moved up from a season in the Formula Three Euroseries last year. Team boss Eddie Jordan said: "I rang Timo this morning and told him to get here quickly because he is going to be working here today and I am sure he will do a very competitive job for us this weekend.

"How good is he? It is difficult to know, but I have big belief in Timo and now we just need to keep the pressure off him and allow him to get on with his job this weekend. He is alongside a hugely experienced driver in Nick Heidfeld and I am confident he can make a strong debut. Very often when a driver is not under much pressure he can do well and I believe he will finish in the top 10."

Pantano flew to Canada for the race this weekend but left the circuit early Friday and missed out on practice as he attempted to resolve the situation and secure his drive for this weekend. He failed to do so before the deadline imposed by the sport's governing body, the FIA, to name drivers for the qualifying session here Saturday and Jordan was forced to replace him.

But the team boss, who is staying in the hotel room next to the disappointed Pantano, insisted the Italian could return for the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis next weekend if he sorts out his problems.

When asked if it is all over for Pantano, Jordan said: "I hope not. I think he was very close to getting it sorted but he could not quite make it in time. It is such a shame because he is a really nice guy. For the last couple of days we have been pushing for Giorgio and we hoped it could be resolved.

"It is a sad situation for him but it means we will give Timo his debut. I don't want to comment on why we are not running Giorgio but do not rule him out from coming back. He may be able to sort the situation out but we will just have to wait and see."

Jordan are running on a tight budget this season and Pantano was hired by the team this year on the basis of his racing experience and the promise of a strong financial package for the season.