Massa Talking to Three Teams Over F1 Test Role

Brazilian Felipe Massa is talking to three Formula One teams about a possible testing role after Jordan ended his hopes of securing a race drive today.

"When we felt that things were going the wrong way, we resumed talks with the teams that wanted him as test driver," a member of the former Sauber driver's management team said, without naming them.

"Today we talked to two teams but there is a third."

Massa, dropped by Ferrari-powered Sauber at the end of his debut season, had been on the shortlist for the last remaining slot on the Formula One grid until Jordan announced that Briton Ralph Firman had taken it.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has been offered a test slot by Sauber and media speculation has also linked him to champions Ferrari, who launch the new F2003 car at their Maranello factory on Friday.

A Ferrari spokesman had no comment. The team already have Brazilian Luciano Burti and Italian Luca Badoer as test drivers.

Jordan, in need of sponsorship, are still looking for a test driver but have signed up for just 10 days of official testing this season in exchange for an extra two hours on the Fridays before Grands Prix.