JANUARY 29, 2003

Massa and Jordan close to a deal

Felipe Massa and Jordan Grand Prix has the basis of a deal but the contracts have yet to be signed. At least that is what Massa's manager Marcio Fonseca is saying.

"The terms have been settled," he told the Reuters newsagency. "The only thing missing is for him to sign. It should happen before the end of the week. Felipe is anxious for it to be resolved."

The team says it is still talking to other drivers but it has been clear for some time that Massa has the most money available from Ford of Brazil and Petrobras.

Twenty-one year old Massa did a good job last year with Sauber but was dropped at the end of the year because Peter Sauber wanted to hire Heinz-Harald Frentzen.