JANUARY 2, 2003

Verstappen and Jordan

As we reported last year Jos Verstappen is in the running for a drive at Jordan. The Dutchman has been talking to Jordan for several months but it was only in the run-up to Christmas that the talks became more serious with our sources saying that the team made Jos an offer. This involved him finding sponsorship but the money he has landed from Lost Boys was not enough to meet a pre-Christmas deadline. It is believed that Jos has about $5m but needs at least $7m to secure the Jordan drive. Felipe Massa is believed to have around $4.5m available and if he does not get the Jordan drive he could end up down at Minardi, alongside Britain's Justin Wilson.

Verstappen is a good bet for Jordan for several reasons: he is a highly experienced driver who will be able to make the most of a car without too much testing. The team has agreed to restrict its testing activities in 2003 and so experience is an important issue. He has backing behind him and because he has never reallly fulfilled his potential he is still hungry for success.