Jordan Sign Pantano to Complete F1 Grid

Italian Giorgio Pantano will drive for Jordan this year, the Formula One team said on Friday in an announcement that filled the last slot on the 2004 starting grid.

The signing of the former kart world champion completed the championship's 20-driver line-up with only three weeks to go before the first race. The 25-year-old rookie will make his debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 7 alongside experienced German team mate Nick Heidfeld, whose contract was announced two weeks ago.

Jordan's long-awaited announcement dashed the hopes of Dutch driver Jos Verstappen, who had been considered a frontrunner until talks broke down last week. Verstappen now joins Briton Ralph Firman, who raced for Jordan in 2003 and scored one point, without a drive.

"Giorgio performed consistently with accomplished racecraft at the front of the field for three years in F3000 and he's ready for the challenge in F1," said Eddie Jordan. "In Jordan Ford's driver pairing I believe we have the best possible combination of youth, experience and natural ability.

"Giorgio and Nick are seriously quick, skilled and hungry for success, which is exactly what we need to rejuvenate the team and lead Jordan's fight-back in 2004. I can't wait for the first race."

Jordan finished last season ninth out of the 10 teams, despite a lucky win in Brazil for Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, in their worst showing in a decade. Pantano won the 2000 German Formula Three title, a championship won by Michael Schumacher in 1990 before he entered Formula One with Jordan the following year, and tested previously for McLaren, Williams and Benetton.

The Italian was overall runner-up in F3000, the Grand Prix support series that has in the past acted as a feeder to Formula One, in 2002 and finished third last year. Pantano thanked Jordan for his big break and allowing him to show his ability.

"I will be giving my all as I really want to guarantee them good results," he added. "I'm looking forward to driving the car some more in the test sessions, and then of course, I am really excited about my first grand prix in Melbourne in just a few weeks' time."

Pantano brings Italy's Formula One presence to four drivers, with Fisichella at Sauber, Jarno Trulli at Renault and Gianmaria Bruni at Minardi. He drove the new Jordan for the first time at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain on Tuesday.