Davidson in "Strong Position"

Now Vacant
By Phil Giles
January 11 2003

Anthony Davidson spoke at the Autosport Show today and suggested that he was in a strong position for the last seat at Jordan and that a decision would be made soon.

He admitted that team sponsors Benson and Hedges are likely to get their way and increase their sponsorship if Eddie allows a British driver to join the team alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.

"The Jordan drive is still up for grabs,  I actually stand in quite a good position. Benson and Hedges are obviously looking for a British driver, and there's not many around at the moment." He said.

Davidson however is unable to bring any of his own money to the team and is therefore relying on Benson and Hedges to make the offer to Jordan. 

"We haven't got any money, but Eddie Jordan has got his back to the wall," he said. "That puts us in a good position. At the moment it does need a little bit of money to get the drive, but Eddie's in a situation where he also needs a British driver. Since no British driver has any money to throw around he's in a difficult position. If he can find extra sponsorship then basically we're in."

Obviously Davidson is looking out for his own interests.  His comments make interesting reading but do show that he is relying on Benson and Hedges to provide extra sponsorship to Jordan to a reported tune of between 8 and 15 million pounds.  Deals of this magnitude are not uncommon in Formula One, however it is difficult to see why Jordan would want to take on a rookie with no financial backing of his own. 

The more likely option is that Jordan will go for a driver with experience and backing.  Felipe Massa was the first to say that a deal had been done, then Irvine and now Davidson.  Enrique Bernoldi has massive backing from Red Bull and has the race and testing experience.