Jordan 2003. How will it pan out?

Honda Press Office
By Phil Giles
August 10 2002

As this year’s silly season gathers pace, I thought it would be good to look at some of the current rumours surrounding Jordan and their “problems” for 2003. As I see it, the main situation facing Jordan is their engine supply.

With only five races to go until the end of the season, I feel that an announcement from Jordan or from Honda is imminent. Jordan already know what is going to happen in 2003 but clearly can’t let the cat out of the bag. What does seem certain is that Honda power will end after the Japanese GP. Who therefore can Eddie draft in at short notice to provide the power for the EJ13?

Cosworth seem to be the best candidate for power next year. Cosworth have confirmed that they can supply two customer teams with engines as well as Jaguar’s Works deal. Arrows are at the moment customers of Cosworth, however with the problems that they face this year, it would seem that Jordan could take advantage of the situation to secure customer engines if Honda do end their contract.

Honda themselves would be breaking their three year supply deal, ending it 12 months early. The manufacturer would probably need to buy themselves out of the deal. This could be used by Jordan to fund a supply of customer engines for the next season. This, dependent on Jaguar’s performance, may see Ford pull out. Ford may then be free to concentrate on Jordan as a works partner for 2004.

It is known that Jordan has approached Toyota for an engine supply. Ove Andersson has publicly stated that an approach was made. He did however deny that any deal had been struck.

The official line from Jordan is that “Both Jordan and Honda are looking at ways to become more competitive.” To my mind, this is confirmation that the two will go their separate ways. Honda’s mission is to stick solely with one team and unfortunately, this is likely to be British American Racing.

Takuma Sato’s position in the team looks less likely for 2003. While Taku has a two year contract with Jordan and an option on the team’s side for 2 further years, it is doubtful that he will remain in the team if Honda decide to drop Jordan. The rookie driver has gone from strength to strength this season, finishing a respectable 8th last time out at Hockenheim. Despite a poor start to the season, colliding with his team mate and surviving a massive crash at the A1-Ring, he has been getting more used to the handling characteristics of the EJ12. He has out qualified Giancarlo on two occasions. I doubt however that Taku will be piloting the EJ13 in 2003.

So what are the possibilities for a replacement. A strong but unlikely contender would be Heinz-Harald Frentzen unceremoniously dumped by Jordan in 2001. The German driver, recently left the Arrows team citing their financial position as the reason. Also in the frame for a Jordan drive is Eddie Irvine, who’s debut drive was for Jordan. Jos Verstappen’s name has also been bandied about, mainly by furious fans who are desperate to see him back in an F1 car after Jos was released by Arrows.

My feeling with Giancarlo is that he will see out his contract with Jordan. A capable driver in a capable car. There is no reason why Giancarlo would up sticks and leave unless the chance of a Ferrari drive presented itself. Barring injury to either Michael or Rubens, the chances of that happening must be remote.

Still. I may be wrong. Stranger things have happened and as old Murray Walker used to say (rather bizarrely) “F1 is IF spelt backwards. Anything can happen and it usually does”.

Watch this space.