Jordan Rules Out Verstappen Comeback

Jordan have ruled out Jos Verstappen making a Formula One comeback with them this season despite teaming up with the Dutch driver's long-term sponsor Trust.

Team boss Eddie Jordan saids he would do what he could to help the 32-year-old should an opportunity arise elsewhere but Germany's Nick Heidfeld and Italian Giorgio Pantano were staying as his drivers.

"We tried very hard to put something together which for a number of reasons didn't happen," Jordan said at the San Marino Grand Prix on Friday, referring to protracted pre-season negotiations with Verstappen.

"I have made my choice with the drivers I have, and that's what the contract says and that's what will continue. Having said that, there could be a testing agreement with somebody, there could be a big team needs a driver...if we can help him in any way we will do."

Jordan also would not rule out the Dutchman returning to Formula One next year. There has been considerable speculation in the Netherlands that Verstappen could replace Heidfeld, who has been doing a good job in his first season with the team but lacks funding, or rookie Pantano.

"I think he (Verstappen) is a good driver and I've known him a very long time. I'd like to help him if I can. He tried very hard to drive for us this year but sometimes right at the end it doesn't happen," said Jordan.

Verstappen has been in Formula One off and on since 1994, when he was a teammate of future World Champion Michael Schumacher at Benetton, and has one of the more vocal fan clubs.

Jordan said this year that he had received a spate of threatening messages from irate Dutch fans after the negotiations collapsed.