Pantano Certain of Landing Jordan Drive

Italian Giorgio Pantano says he is almost certain he will drive for the Jordan Grand Prix team next season alongside German Nick Heidfeld.

The 25-year old told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday that his chances of driving for the Silverstone-based squad were "99 per cent".

Although Jordan did not confirm it on Monday, Pantano said he would be joining the Silverstone-based squad today on their first day of testing at the Jerez circuit. The Italian driver said his intention was to show he belonged in Formula One.

"I don't intend to take risks in this first test, but only want to show the team that I'm able to drive an F1 car, and that I deserve the job," Pantano said. "Driving in F3000 I learned that the secret to success is team spirit; Schumacher wins because he's built an extraordinary relationship with his people.

"Well, that is what I want to build for myself in Jordan; after all, it is me needing them. The first objective is to gain experience, to take the car to the limit. The aim this year is to be close to Nick [Heidfeld]. This has to be the platform to greater things, like everyone I look for victories."

Pantano also said that he had been in talks with the Jaguar team over a racing seat for 2004, but lost out to Austrian Christian Klien.

"I was already convinced that the seat was mine, also because they told me they'd preferred a driver with a bit of experience. In reality they were just aiming for the money and Klien offered a lot more of it," he said.