The Jordan Shortlist

Candidate
By Phil Giles
December 28 2003

Minardi have filled their last race seat. Zsolt Baumgartner, the Hungarian driver who replaced Ralph Firman for a couple of races in 2003 and tested for Jordan on a number of occasions has completed a race deal with Paul Stoddart.

Jordan therefore are the last team on the grid with vacancies for 2004.  To recap, Nick Heidfeld has signed a preliminary agreement with the team, dependent on the teams funding.  Nick has taken a pay cut after being dropped by Sauber but needs assurances for next season.

Ralph Firman has a contract for 2004 and is a favourite with Benson and Hedges.

Allan McNish has race and Test experience and according to reports, has backing from both Ford and Benson and Hedges.

Jos Verstappen has big backing from Trust and years of experience in Formula One.  After being dropped by the floundering Arrows team, he spent a year out but returned and immediately impressed driving for Minardi last year.

The next few weeks are going to be extremely exciting for Jordan fans.  Stay tuned and meanwhile have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.