Verstappen Still a Candidate for Jordan Seat

Dutch driver Jos Verstappen remains a strong candidate to join Germany's Nick Heidfeld at Jordan this season, Eddie Jordan said on Wednesday.

The Irish team boss added, however, that the outfit's second driver had yet to be decided.

"We are talking to a number of drivers and Jos is one of them," Jordan told reporters as Heidfeld drove his team's new EJ14 car at Silverstone.

"We would ideally like an experienced Formula One driver... nationality is not the key to it," he added. "However, if somebody is around who is of benefit to a sponsor and is also a benefit to the team then that will also be considered.

"Jos Verstappen at the moment has a lot of those qualities. He's mature, he's experienced, we know him and he's driven a Jordan car before. He is not the only show in town. But if he were to drive for us it would be absolutely fine."

The new Jordan carried logos for Verstappen's main sponsor Trust, increasing speculation that it was only a matter of time before the well-funded Dutchman was confirmed to complete the starting grid for the season starting on March 7.

"Trust and I have had discussions, we know what we want to do and we will make an announcement when we are ready," declared Jordan, who said he had not spoken to Verstappen for a couple of weeks. "There is still a seat available, I have not finalised that."

Dialogue Renewed

Verstappen has a decade of experience in Formula One, driving for Benetton in 1994 as World Champion Michael Schumacher's teammate. He was also at now defunct Simtek, Arrows, Tyrrell and Stewart as well as most recently Minardi.

The 31-year-old said last month that he had broken off talks with Jordan after the team cold-shouldered an ultimatum for an agreement but dialogue has apparently been renewed.

Jordan said he was waiting for two major sponsors to confirm their commitment for the season after cigarette brand Benson and Hedges signed up for a ninth year in a row.

The leading candidates, apart from Verstappen, to be Heidfeld's teammate are Britons Allan McNish and Ralph Firman. Firman drove for the team last year, scoring one point.

"I speak to Ralph all the time, he is a high quality driver and somebody I particularly like," said Jordan. "If there is a way to do something to help him get into the team either in a testing role or as a driver then we'll do it."