Jordan Set to Replace Wirdheim with Baumgartner

Formula 3000 champion Bjorn Wirdheim is set to be replaced by Jordan in the Friday morning testing of the Italian Grand Prix, after Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner has raised the funds to pay the team for that drive.

Jordan announced earlier this month that Wirdheim will test for the team in Monza - during the Italian Grand Prix as well as next week - and later extended the deal to include the Friday testing session of the United States Grand Prix.

Baumgartner, who has been testing for Jordan in the Friday testing sessions of the last two Grands Prix, also became the first Hungarian driver to participate in a World Championship Formula One race, when he replaced Ralph Firman at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

However, Wirdheim told Atlas F1 his Friday testing session next month in Monza is now unlikely to take place, after Baumgartner raised the funds to allow him to buy that drive.

"It hasn't been confirmed yet - I will probably know on Monday," Wirdheim said, "but I'm [still] going to test on Wednesday afternoon at Monza."

All ten Formula One teams are scheduled to take part in an official testing session at the Italian track next week. Wirdheim's test for Jordan will take place on Wednesday afternoon. Two weeks later, the Swede is scheduled to test for BAR at Jerez, Spain.