Jos remains in Jordan frame

The 31-year-old Dutchman has substantial backing from Trust, a computer company, but he's in a weak bargaining position as the second Jordan seat is the last in F1.

During a break from overseeing testing of Jordan's new EJ14 chassis at Silverstone, Jordan told AUTOSPORT: "We are talking to a number of drivers, and Jos is one of them. Trust and I have discussed the issues and we know what we want to do. We'll announce a decision when we are ready. It is clear that the seat is still available to him."

Verstappen was in a negative frame of mind over the seat last week, however, saying: "It makes no sense to carry on with the negotiations. We cut the talks with the full support of my sponsors."

Trust logos are back on the new Jordan today, and all Eddie would say about the on/off saga of the car running in its branding was "a story for another day".

He did confirm, however, that both Ralph Firman and Allan McNish remained in contention for the berth.

"We're speaking to Ralph all the time," said Jordan. "He's a high quality driver, someone I'd like to find a way into the team either in a testing or racing role."