Verstappen drops Jordan

Jos Verstappen and his sponsor, computer firm Trust, have issued a 'definitive' statement saying that he won't drive for Jordan in 2004, and therefore he will not race in Formula 1 unless another opportunity arises during the season

On Wednesday, Eddie Jordan insisted that his second seat was still available to Verstappen, but it is understood that his main sponsor, Benson & Hedges, would increase its level of support if a British driver fills the vacant berth. Ralph Firman and Allan McNish are now firm favourites for the drive.

Sources at Jordan have indicated to AUTOSPORT that Trust refused to back down on any of its demands, and it was this inflexibility that stymied the deal. The source said: "Their outrageous demands just could not be met."

A statement on both Verstappen's and Trust's websites said: "After exhaustive negotiations concerning all contracts, Trust and the management of Jos have decided stop negotiations with Jordan definitively. In spite of the fact that all parties concerned have done their extreme best, contractual obstacles remained."

Trust added that it remained 100 percent behind Verstappen's career, and would help him in any way should another seat in F1 become vacant.