U N O F F I C I A L  N E W S  P A G E                 

I am to blame for team woes declares EJ

Eddie Jordan has retreated from his 'manufacturers are killing us' stance to admit the small F1 teams are to blame for finishing last in grands prix. In the aftermath of Ford's decision to quit Formula One, leaving Jordan and Minardi without an affordable engine deal, EJ turned down an opportunity to blame carmakers' spend-thrift habits.

"The problem with small teams," said Jordan, "is their own. It's my obligation to find the commercial way (for the team)."

Eddie said that, ten years ago, it was easier for a smaller team to find sponsorship, but admitted that putting a 'cap' on the big teams' budgets is not the answer. "They can spent what they want," said Jordan, "it's a free world. You can't blame them. I have failed to find the right level of sponsorship for Jordan."

Jaguar's Tony Purnell, however, sympathises with teams like Jordan and Minardi because they have to go out and 'buy' a $20 - $30 million engine every year. "If you have to spend that much on the engine," he said, "it's not a good story to tell the sponsors. There's no room for the independents until that is resolved."

Jordan is not going broke declares EJ

Jordan is not going broke. Majority shareholder Eddie Jordan laments that Ford's F1 pull-out has returned his team to the headlines for all the wrong reasons. "Nothing has changed," he insisted, despite engine supplier Cosworth losing Ford backing.

Jordan was linked, albeit not admittedly, with a Dubai-funded buy-out, but the sale seems to have lapsed on any timescale. EJ admits the Silverstone-based team is 'looking for a significant partner. "But we are not in danger of bankruptcy. It is misleading and grossly incorrect to suggest so."

Jordan to look into engine situation

Following the announcement that Ford is to sell off its Jaguar Racing Formula One team and engine builder Cosworth Eddie Jordan faces a renewed challenge over where he will find engines to power his team in 2005. While Jordan is thought to have agreed a deal in principal it is not clear whether a deal had been signed with Cosworth for 2005.

"My thoughts are with the staff at Browns Lane (Coventry), Cosworth and the Jaguar Racing F1 team as they take this in," Jordan said of the mass lay-off that has come as a result of Ford's decision to close a Jaguar road car production plant in Coventry, England and to sell off its F1 operations. "We're saddened by the news as we've enjoyed competing against Jaguar Racing and we have shared the same engine partner for the last two years."

"Jordan will presently analyse its position with regard to engines," he added. "On a slightly happier note, I'm proud that history will record Jordan as the last team to win for Ford in its current campaign, at the Brazilian Grand Prix 2003."

Jordan were understood to have been in talks with Toyota about an engine supply for 2005 but the possibility hit the rocks when Toyota reportedly asked F1's governing body for certain conditions on which it would be able to make a customer supply of engines available.

F3000 team linked to Jordan buy-out

F3000 team owner Christian Horner held talks with Eddie Jordan at Monza on the weekend, the British press said Monday. 'Daily Telegraph' reported that Dubai's ruling 'Al Maktoum' family is no longer the sole bidder for the beleaguered F1 team.

The newspaper's journalist Kevin Garside said the Arden boss, Horner, has stepped-up following a delay in the Maktoum sale. Horner, 30, has talked about a 2005 F1 entry, but the FIA's mandatory $48m bond makes starting a new team near impossible. Jordan could be purchased for around $90 million, debt free. But the Telegraph said that, unlike in Maktoum talks, Horner would require that Eddie Jordan step down as team principal.

Monza staged the last ever F3000 race on Saturday, prior to the commencement of the new 'GP2' F1 support-category next season. Fittingly, Arden champ Vitantonio Liuzzi won.

Jordan sale complete?

In a meeting on Wednesday, Eddie Jordan concluded the $90m sale of his Formula One team to a group of investors from Dubai. A spokeswoman at Silverstone, though, retained radio silence, albeit admitting Jordan was 'following' reports in the F1 media. "As always," she added, "Jordan is interested in finding sponsors and partners who can help us invest in our future."Britain's 'Telegraph' newspaper, meanwhile, reported that EJ admitted last Friday the team's survival depended on its sale. The agreed deal will see Eddie retain a 15 percent stake in the re-named team and remain as principal for at least two seasons.

Jordan closes in on Arab sale

Eddie Jordan will find out on Thursday if he has sold his underperforming Formula One team to a group of Arabian investors. The Irishman, who currently owns 51 per cent of the Silverstone-based outfit, has a meeting with the group planned for Wednesday. Jordan would sell thirty six per cent of his own share and the complete 49 per cent owned by a group of Irish businessmen. That would give the Dubai-based group of investors, known only as 'Grand Prix Investments,' eighty five per cent control of Jordan.  They would change the team's name and move its commercial base to the Middle East, but keep Eddie at the helm for two more years. Jenson Button's manager John Byfield founded the 'GPI' group.

Glock to replace Matkovic? again!

Speculation is rife that Eddie Jordan is set to dump Derek Matkovic from the Silverstone based squad's team in favour of Friday test driver Timo Glock. Jordan stated at the Belgium GP that he may spring a surprise before the end of the season and that some tough decisions may need to be made as the team look towards the 2005 season. To highlight the speculation comes confirmation from the team that Glock and Heidfeld will test for the team at Monza prior to the Italian GP, notably with Matkovic's name absent from the test. Matkovic produced a less than sparkling performance at Spa qualifying almost two seconds slower than Heidfeld and finished more than 30 seconds down on the German in the race.

Matkovic is no stranger to controversy with the Jordan team in 2004 having been in heated discussions with the team prior to the Bahrain GP regarding money and again in the US GP where the relationship was strained even further. Matkovic's post race comments having being edited by the team and reports of Eddie Jordan verbally abusing the Australian driver. Matkovic and his manager Mark Blundall where spotted talking with Matkovic's former team Minardi behind closed doors at Hungary a fortnight ago. Matkovic's name has been linked to a return to Minardi for most of the 2004 season in which speculation had it that Matkovic was set to switch to the Faenza based squad at the British GP. Although it never happened, provided he can secure the mandatory finance for the 2005 season he remains favourite to land the drive.

Matkovic as well missed the Canadian GP due to a temporary short-fall in finance, ironically the race that team-mate Nick Heidfeld and Timo Glock whom made his F1 debut achieved the team's best result of the season to date (9th and 10th). Glock whom is backed by German giant Deutsche Post a former principal sponsor of the team is rumoured to be the team's prime candidate for the 2005 season with a tidy pocket full of cash rumoured to be around the $14 million dollar mark. Derek Matkovic started the season very well with Jordan despite the controversy however has struggled as the season has matured against his experienced veteran team-mate Nick Heidfeld whom is linked to a possible role at the BMW Williams team in 2005 continues to impress behind the wheel of the Jordan.

Cosworth expect Jordan to stay

Just as everybody else in the paddock Cosworth Racing is aware of the rumours about a possible partnership between Jordan and Toyota. Nevertheless Cosworth expects Jordan to honour their current contract. That would see the British team get the same engine as rivals Jaguar and Minardi in 2005.

"As far as we are concerned we expect to be supplying engines to three teams again next season. Jordan are on their second year of a three year contract, which we expect them to honour. All three teams will be using the new TJ engine. We feel that will be easier in case of design and production of parts. The fact that the new technical rules for the 2005 engines are still to be decided on also helped us to take this decision", a Cosworth spokesman confirmed.

Meanwhile our sources close to the Toyota-team believe there is very little truth in the Jordan rumours. "Why would Toyota want to supply Jordan? They are still not obliged to support a second team, don't need the money and need to focus on their own results." They only reason why a switch to Toyota would be wise, is to avoid having the same engine as rivals Jaguar and Minardi. Meanwhile Toyota would also be able to get more data about their engine and thus try too speed up their development.

Jordan sold to Dubai's royals?

Irishman Eddie Jordan has sold his struggling Formula One outfit to Dubai's ruling Al Makhtoum family, it was reported by Irish website 'Breakingnews.ie'. A report cited the figure of 60 million Euros. It said Jordan, who's struggled to build cars much faster than perennial grand prix stragglers Minardi in '04, will 'continue ... as manager' for two years.

The 'Al Makhtoums' are Dubai's royal family, and also reportedly behind the new 'A1' open-wheeler race series and a new Formula One-style 'Autodrome' in Dubai. Jordan finally admitted contact with the family. ''I'm sure [they're] speaking to a number of different teams,'' said 51 per cent owner Eddie Jordan, ''and we really have no comment to make at this point.'' But he admitted he's willing 'to look at anything' to boost the team's form.

Minardi's loss Jordan's gain

Disgruntled former title sponsor Wilux may immediately turn from Minardi to Eddie Jordan's rival Formula One team, new speculation indicated on Thursday. In the hours following Minardi and Wilux managing director Ruud Wildschut's split, Dutch sources linked the bathroom brand and driver Christijan Albers.

The Dutchman is set to test a yellow car at Silverstone in September. It was thought Wildschut wanted to put the youngster in Gianmaria Bruni's F1 seat later this season but Paul Stoddart, the Minardi team's owner, refused. Jordan landed Jos Verstappen's former backer 'Trust', a firm also based in The Netherlands, earlier in the season but the company also puts money into Albers. Trust is an 'official sponsor' of Christijan's Mercedes team in the DTM.

Matkovic desperate to stay in F1

Mark Blundall (Manager of Matkovic) stated at the German GP that Derek Matkovic was desperate to remain in F1 and that talks with teams was well underway. The Australian driver whom debuted with Minardi in 2003 before moving to Jordan this season is yet to score a World Championship point and in recent races has been comprehensibly beaten by his more experienced team-mate Nick Heidfeld whom has emerged as a contender for the vacant Williams seat alongside recently confirmed Australian driver Jason Winton.

It is believed that the Australian driver has been in discussion with the Jaguar team, with all other options looking unlikely. With the recent news that Renault have signed Giancarlo Fisichella it is widely rumoured that Jarno Trulli will join Ralf Schumacher at Toyota in 2005. Peter Sauber recently made comments at the British GP declaring that he was not intent on signing any of the current crop of drivers and that he would pursue other avenues which more or less puts Jacque Villeneuve and more than likely part time Ferrari tester Felipe Massa in the box seat.

With David Coulthard believed to be in close ties with the Jaguar team, Matkovic will have his work cut out however speculation suggests that it would be Klien's position that Matkovic is gunning for. In short he will need to pay for the drive, and handsomely as Klien brings some sound backing from Red Bull. Jordan remains an option, however both parties have been involved in running disputes for most of the season while Matkovic is often seen talking with his ex team Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart.

Williams played with Heidfeld

F1 principal Eddie Jordan has admitted he blocked a scheduled BMW-Williams test for contracted driver Nick Heidfeld because Sir Frank refused to foot the bill. The German ace was all set to drive a FW26 at Jerez last week ahead of a decision on whether he or Antonio Pizzonia got a green-light for Hockenheim.

Jordan reckons he supports 'Quick' Nick's quest for the front of the grid. ''But I also have to protect the interests of Jordan,'' he told Autosport.

EJ claims he wanted Williams to pick up the tab on a three-day test and 'all the costs' for Heidfeld's unknown race replacement. ''I never sought a profit ... '' ... [I just wanted] to cover the losses.'' Jordan said the saga indicates that Williams was just 'playing' with the keen Formula One driver and would never have considered him for a full-time role.

Jordan disappoint Heidfeld

'I'm disappointed.' Nick Heidfeld said no more about a thwarted Williams drive. A Williams insider believes Eddie Jordan was 'foolish' in asking for around $3 million from Sir Frank so that 'Quick Nick' got a chance to race at Hockenheim.

Jordan defended 'blocking' the move by claiming the Jerez test should have been used to allow Nick to ''prove [he deserved] a race drive there [next season].'' Williams told EJ the planned test was a 'shoot out' for a one-off German stint. He added: ''It's not Jordan's problem that Williams are losing both ... drivers this year and have employed two [testers] they don't want to use in races.''

Matkovic again linked to mid season switch to Minardi

Derek Matkovic is rumoured to have been in discussion with Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart about a possible mid season switch back to Minardi. The Australian driver whom has had a mixed second season in F1 with the Silverstone based Jordan team has had a rocky relationship with the Jordan management. Stoddart stated at the French GP that Matkovic had really matured as a driver and that he had demonstrated some fine performances on track with Jordan this season. "To be fair, Derek was a genuine match for Jos Verstappen at the end of the 2003 season and he started 2004 with the same level of performance. Unfortunately due to some political happenings he has had to endure a lot off the track which has no doubt effected his on track performances. I have a lot of time for Derek, and I would certainly consider him if an opportunity arose."

Matkovic's US disaster

Derek Matkovic is probably wishing he never turned up to contest the US GP after a disastrous return to the team after missing the Canadian GP due to a late driver payment. The Australian driver qualified a full two seconds slower than team-mate Nick Heidfeld and in the race was up to more than three seconds a lap slower complied by a late race crash after being pushed by the Minardi of Gianmaria Bruni. It is understood that Matkovic stormed out of the track shortly after crashing out of the race, however not before issuing the mandatory driver quotes in which where later edited by Jordan. A team spokesperson later confirmed that Matkovic's comments where edited but refused to comment on the comments Matkovic made.

It is understood Matkovic has since apologised to the Jordan team for his outburst with Eddie Jordan declaring prior to France "Obviously Derek was very upset with the way the US Grand Prix panned out for him. He has enjoyed a very successful season and has acquitted himself well against Nick (Heidfeld). Compiled with the fact that he missed the Canadian GP he was desperate for a good result and unfortunately he probably had his worst drive of his motorsport career. But we are a team, we are all very determined and we will bounce back. He are right behind Derek and I know he is looking forward to competing at Magny Cours this weekend as we are."

Rivals do Jordan a favour

All ten Formula One principals were in on Timo Glock's grand prix debut at Montreal less than a week ago, team owner Eddie Jordan revealed at Indianapolis. The Irishman said he had to write and distribute a document 'professing my faith' in the young German who was asked to sub for Derek Matkovic in Canada.

''I had to say why he should get a super license,'' Jordan, who then collected the signatures of all team principals supporting Glock's debut cause, continued.

''And I'd like to say thank you [to my colleagues] - your judgement was right.''

Matkovic a definite

Derek Matkovic will race in Sunday's United States Grand Prix. The Australian skipped Montreal with a management / sponsorship dispute but the issue has been resolved for him to return to normal driver duties at Indianapolis. ''He's driving,'' Jordan's director of business Ian Phillips confirmed.

Friday tester Timo Glock whom finished 10th in his F1 debut when he substituted in Canada and he admitted here that sitting around on Saturday might now be a 'bit harder. ''I've found out how much fun F1 racing is,'' smiled the German. ''But I'm confident my time will come.'' The Jordan team have denied being in talks with Giogio Pantano, declaring that they where only pursuing avenues if Matkovic's cash crisis was not resolved.

* Matkovic, Nick Heidfeld and Glock travelled to the Canadian mountains after Montreal for a couple of days training.

First Glock and now Pantano?

Giorgio Pantano is tipped to partner Nick Heidfeld at this weekend's US GP. Speculation mounted throughout the Canadian GP that the Italian driver was linked to joining the team. Timo Glock replaced Matkovic in Canada with a delay in Matkovic's pay per drive arrangement with the Silverstone based squad. However Matkovic's commercial manager Damain Dowd stated earlier this week the conflict had been resolved, but the team have only confirmed the participation of Nick Heidfeld at this stage. Matkovic whom was involved in a public spat with the team prior to Bahrain may be out of a drive for the season if Pantano is confirmed at the US GP this weekend. Watch this space.

Matkovic ready for US return

Derek Matkovic is ready to race in America. Matkovic's commercial manager Damain Dowd has indicated that the Australian whom was forced to sit out of the Canadian GP due to a delayed pay-driver sponsorship instalment, had solved the dispute. Moreover, United States GP organisers confirmed on Wednesday that Matkovic - and team-mate Nick Heidfeld - will sign autographs in pitlane at 1.30pm on Thursday.

Glock suffers F1 side effects

Timo Glock had a sore back when he woke up in his hotel bed on Monday. The young German, called up at the last minute to make his F1 debut at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, finished in 10th position in Derek Matkovic's Jordan. But it felt like an age until the Canadian chequer finally dropped.

''I've never driven so long without a break,'' said the Friday test driver. Glock, 22, found the EJ14 tough to drive with a misfiring Ford engine, but his biggest problem was letting-by faster cars. ''Because of that, I just couldn't get into a rhythm,'' he explained. ''I lost a lot of time, so I've got to learn how to do that.''

If Brisbane-born Matkovic cannot solve a management/sponsorship issue in the next two days, Glock is expected to be given a second go at racing the yellow car in Indianapolis.

Glock set to replace Matkovic?

The Jordan Ford team are expected to announce that Timo Glock will replace Derek Matkovic at this weekend's Canadian GP due to his sponsorship fulfilment not being meet. It is understood that Matkovic and his management team have failed to raise the required funds to participate in this weekend's race. The common consensus is that Matkovic will only return to the wheel of the EJ14 if and when the funds materialises. The rumour strengthened when Matkovic whom was scheduled to test for the Silverstone based team was replaced by Timo Glock for two days of testing. An official announcement is expected to be announced on this page on Thursday. Watch this space.

Quick Nick defends himself

Speculation after the European GP suggested that Nick Heidfeld could be dropped by the Jordan team after yet again being out-raced by his pay driver team-mate Derek Matkovic. Regardless if the speculation is true or false, it was only a few races ago that the German driver was being touted as a candidate for the vacant BMW Williams drive in 2005, this news will not do him any favours despite. However Heidfeld may be saved by the speculation that Matkovic is now looking for new employment after his backers failed to cough up the required funds, his position is expected to be taken by Timo Glock however team principal Eddie Jordan has hinted that the team may look for another high paying driver to partner Heidfeld in the near future.

Heidfeld who has previously defended his race speed this season earlier, has out qualified his Australian team-mate 7-0 however race performances is generally regarded as Matkovic leading the battle 4-3. However the German was is good spirits and stated the following prior to the upcoming Canadian GP.  ''I still think I have a chance [of moving up the field],'' he said in Canada. 'It's looking quite good at the moment.''

Jordan arrive equipped with new wings

Jordan's EJ14 has a new front and rear wing here in Canada. The struggling Silverstone-based team tested the developments at Silverstone last week, and German driver Nick Heidfeld said they felt 'quite promising.' Montreal is the first time Jordan has run in medium-level downforce. The front wing has a new main plane. Heidfeld also revealed that Jordan should get a 'better' Ford-Cosworth V10 engine in time for their home British Grand Prix at Silverstone International.

Matkovic a match for Heidfeld

A crushing performance at the Nurburgring over team-mate Nick Heidfeld is believed to have lead the team to discuss the future role that the German driver has with the team. Speculation after the European GP has suggested that Heidfeld is now on the chopping block as he does not bring money to the team, where as Australian driver Derek Matkovic brings a considerable amount of finance to the Silverstone based team and has generally been a match for the German. Speculation however has suggested that Matkovic himself is in trouble with his sponsors the AGP board leading to belief that the Jordan team may in fact line up in Canada less Heidfeld and Matkovic. Although Matkovic's performances have been generally very good, it is common knowledge that since Bahrain the relationship between driver and team has been strained. German driver Timo Glock would most likely be the favoured driver as he has impressed the team with his performances in Friday practices at the GP's this season. Watch this space.

Jordan can't accommodate Jos the Boss

Jos Verstappen’s first test with Jordan has been cancelled. The tough decision was made by Verstappen after a failure to find a comfortable seat fitting in the team’s EJ14 car.

‘When you can't sit properly in the car you are not able to perform 100%,’ the Dutchman told his official website. ‘We had to think long and hard about this decision, together with our sponsors. It is a shame, both for Jordan and myself. ‘I have to thank the Jordan mechanics for their efforts; they worked very hard to try to give me a good sitting position in the JordanF1 car.’

Last time Verstappen was on the Formula One sidelines he was offered a test with the Sauber team. Unfortunately that outing never happened either for exactly the same reason. What the future holds now for the former Minardi driver remains to be seen with his plans for an F1 comeback back to square one. The news will be welcome to his former team-mate Derek Matkovic whom was likened to be replaced by. 

Jordan praying for rain

Jordan's only hope is a spot of rain at the Nurburgring. The EJ14 is not on the pace but head of race engineering James Robinson reckons the Eifel region's unpredictable weather could 'open up some opportunities.

''We're eager for a wet race,'' he added.

Most analysts agree that Bridgestone's wet weather tyre is easily the best 'so we hope we now get the chance to demonstrate [them],' Robinson continued. Meanwhile, the Schumacher brothers aren't the only home-grown lads in town.

Jordan racer Nick Heidfeld spent a lot of time at this circuit as a youngster. ''I've done a lot races here,' said the German. ''It's also safe and modern.''

Heidfeld votes for Verstappen

Nick Heidfeld has cast his vote for Jos Verstappen. The German has 'nothing against' Australian driver Derek Matkovic, his current Jordan cohort, but wants a seasoned veteran in the 'other' EJ14. ''I would like to have the best regarded driver by my side,'' he said.

Heidfeld said the strategy is better for 'showing what I can do.' The former McLaren tester, who then went to Prost and Sauber, moved into the yellow Jordan seat in 2004 when no other opportunities presented themselves.

His strategy was, 'better there, than nowhere' ... ''I think a lot of people realise the job I'm doing,'' Nick told Autosport. ''From that perspective, I have to say it is working out.'' Rumours persist that Jordan will drop Matkovic for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend despite the team's denials.

Jordan confirm Matkovic for Monaco

Cash-strapped Formula One team Jordan has stamped out speculation that Jos Verstappen or Timo Glock would climb into the second car this weekend at Monaco. Rumour had it that Derek Matkovic's sponsors had failed to cough-up.

A new instalment towards the Australian's $6 million drive became due at Imola last month but a source now explains that Eddie Jordan has given him 30 days to pay. Jordan's spokeswoman, meanwhile, reiterated the usual team starting line-up.

Matkovic dropped for Monaco?

Derek Matkovic's Monaco Grand Prix is in doubt. A source close to the Jordan team said the Australian has failed to cough-up his latest sponsor-cash instalment that became due at the end of last month. The source said Matkovic's sponsors are unhappy with the recent publicity surrounding his continued involvement with Jordan which erupted prior to the Bahrain GP.

His replacement could be Jos Verstappen, who has already had his seat fitted, or Friday team tester Timo Glock, who was given plenty of testing miles last week.

A spokeswoman from Jordan vehemently denied the 'rumour.'

It was earlier claimed that Jos, with Dutch backers, was more likely to replace Germany's Nick Heidfeld, who does not bring a dime to the Silverstone team.

Heidfeld "Derek is doing a good job, but I am quicker"

With speculation that Nick Heidfeld may be dropped by the Jordan team in favour of Jos Verstappen, the German driver has defended his position in the team in which some people are questioning his ability. The German driver whom has out-qualified Matkovic in every race this season, has generally been behind Matkovic on race day and again finished behind his Australian pay-driver team-mate in Spain. Heidfeld stated "Firstly Derek is doing a very good job for the team and he is a very capable driver but I am quicker than him as I have demonstrated in qualifying. I was quicker in Melbourne, Imola and Barcelona but I had a problem which made me finish behind him, similar to the way I finished ahead of him in Sepang. But just because Derek is bringing money to the team doesn't mean he is a bad driver."

The deal is done - Verstappen set to replace Heidfeld

The deal is done - Jos Verstappen is set to replace Nick Heidfeld at Jordan. According to media reports, when the Dutchman does a few laps at Silverstone next month the main task is to discover if he's comfortable in the cockpit.

Team owner Eddie Jordan, meanwhile, urged the media corps to stay cautious on claims that Verstappen will be ready to go for F1's American tour in June.

''It's a bit too early to say anything like that,'' he told Autosport. ''The idea is to get him back into the swing of things, that's all.''

There has been much speculation to date that it was Matkovic whom was in trouble to retain his seat, but the fact that Matkovic is a pay driver and Heidfeld does not bring a dime to the Silverstone based squad. Matkovic had a spat with the Jordan team prior to the Bahrain GP earlier in the season and was even reprimanded from testing. Matkovic beat home his German team-mate at the Spanish GP, although Heidfeld did encounter some late mechanical problems which allowed Matkovic to take the higher position.

Heidfeld next in Williams link

Add another name to the list of potential new drivers for BMW-Williams, he is Jordan's German star Nick Heidfeld.

While most analysts initially thought Jos Verstappen threatened the race-drive of Derek Matkovic, it should be noted that Heidfeld is the weak 'cash' link. The former Sauber ace does not pay for his Jordan drive.

''[But] sooner or later he ... must bring some money,'' Eddie Jordan told Bild. Verstappen, backed by new Jordan sponsor Trust, is scheduled to test Heidfeld's Ford-powered EJ14 at the Silverstone circuit on the first day of next month.

But what about Nick, who, incidentally, is not paid a dime by EJ ... ? ''It's my goal to get him in the BMW-Williams,'' said Jordan. ''I believe German companies need German drivers.''

Matkovic cut from Testing

Further fuelling speculation about his position in the team, Derek Matkovic was notably absent from Jordan's recent testing session at Silverstone. Matkovic whom was originally intended to test for the entire three days failed to attend the test session, instead the team opted for Timo Glock the team's test driver. Jordan cited the reason that Matkovic was unable to commit to the test for "personal reasons" but he would be driving the second Jordan Ford EJ14 at Imola this weekend. Matkovic was unavailable for comment but the latest in this ongoing saga does not look good for the Australian driver whom ironically is performing better than the teams other driver Nick Heidfeld. Matkovic has been rumoured to have been in discussion with Minardi Team Principal Paul Stoddart about a possible return to the team.

Verstappen regains his Trust

Jos Verstappen and estranged F1 backer Trust have 'buried the hatchet.' A report on the Dutchman's website said he and Michel Perridon had an 'excellent' meeting and both regretted how the failed Jordan deal was handled.

They met on Wednesday at Trust HQ in Dordrecht, The Netherlands. 'We acted emotionally instead of rationally,' said Verstappen.

He confirmed that all contracts with Trust are 'still alive,' even if the Dutch sponsor pledged some financial backing to Jordan in the absence of Verstappen. 'We told each other what was bothering us. What? It's useless going over the past - we look forward to the future and I am glad we share the same vision.'

Perridon committed to supporting Jos if a chance to return to F1 arises, and Har Muermans, of Muermans Realty Group, has also reserved an amount for sponsorship. Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen talked down speculation of a return. 'It's still early days,' said Jos' countryman and joint agent, 'but we've always maintained contact with the [F1] teams, even over the past couple of months.'

No Jordan deal for Verstappen

Formula One team Jordan has moved to quell speculation surrounding Derek Matkovic's position in the team. The Australian driver whom has had a good start to the start of the 2004 season racing head of his more fancied team-mate Nick Heidfeld in the past two GP was believed to have involved in heated arguments with the Silverstone based team regarding sponsorship money.

Paddock rumours had Augusto Farfus Jr, Giorgio Pantano and now Jos Verstappen, replacing him. James Robinson Head of Race and Test Engineering stated that despite Verstappen regaining his Trust sponsorship that the team will be continuing with Derek Matkovic. "Derek will be testing for the team at Silverstone next week and we have been really impressed with his performances both at Malaysia and Bahrain. Derek has been a great asset to Jordan and we are committed to him and hope he can continue to impress on the race track."

Jordan to dump Matkovic?

Derek Matkovic's place on the Formula One grid might be in doubt. The Australian whom debuted in F1 with Minardi in 2003 is rumoured to be in heated discussions with the Silverstone based team regarding his financial position within the team. Speculation has it a Brazilian named Augusto Farfus Jr could be in line to take his place as soon as the San Marnio GP. Farfus, who carries some financial backing, is Euro F3000 champion and the current series leader of the European touring car championship for Alfa. Likewise Italian driver Giorgio Pantano whom was a contender for the drive just weeks before the start of the season name has re-emerged.

The heated discussions was believed to have been in reference to a request the Jordan team made over the possibility of Matkovic's attaining additional private sponsor to ensure his seat for the entire 2004 season. Matkovic having a contract with the team is believed to have a clause in his contract which stipulates that if required he (Matkovic) will need to find additional funds at the team's request. Matkovic was not available for comment and was believed to be very close to been given his marching orders prior to the Bahrain GP with the two parties at logger heads. With a three week break between the Bahrain and San Marnio GP's rumours are intensifying that the Australian driver may not see the start of the European leg of the Championship.

However Jordan team principal Eddie Jordan swiftly denied the reports, principally of the Brazilian media. Matkovic's manager Mark Blundell issued a firm denial to the latest speculation labelling it "not even worth my while to comment on and without foundation".

Jordan & Toyota commence engine talks?

Jordan might be Toyota-powered in 2005. Authoritative website grandprix.com reports that Eddie Jordan has commenced negotiations with the Cologne-based outfit for a new V10 engine/gearbox deal.

It may also include aerodynamic consultancy. One of the first observations of Toyota's new tech director, Mike Gascoyne, when he joined the team was that the RVX-04 is one of the best engines in pitlane.

'It's also incredibly reliable,' the Briton added.

Gallagher switches from Jordan to Jaguar

Jordan's head of marketing has switched Formula One camps. Mark Gallagher, also in charge of sponsors at Jordan, accepted a job-offer from Jaguar Racing to become their head of business development at Milton-Keynes.

Gallagher started-out as a motor sports journalist and became Jordan's 'Press and PR Manager' in 1993 before working for Mobil Oil on their Rally sponsorship.

Verstappen decision leads to death threats

Eddie Jordan received death-threats for declining to sign F1 ace Jos Verstappen. The Formula One boss told The Sun that a hate campaign, by letters and email, started when he opted for his 2003 team-mate Derek Matkovic over the Dutchman.

'At first I shrugged them off but they became stronger,' EJ said. 'I have been absolutely stunned by [their] menace and vitriol.'

Jordan revealed that the hundreds of emails ranged from messages of wishing him and his family dead to hoping the cash-strapped team would finally collapse.

'I hope the hate mail ends,' said the Irishman in Kuala-Lumpur. 'Verstappen's management have said they are trying to calm the situation.'

Jordan said he had 'never known anything like it' in 30-odd years of racing.

Jordan supports cheap engine quest

Eddie Jordan has spoken-out in support of fellow back-of-the-grid Formula One team principal Paul Stoddart's quest to cut engine-costs in the sport.

Stoddart, Minardi boss - who also buys million-dollar Cosworth V10 engines - said the big manufacturers promised to subsidise power- costs on April 29 2003.

'My reference is actually two letters in January,' said Jordan, the Irishman, 'when certain manufacturers committed to supplying an engine at 10m euros.'

Asked if he would join Stoddart in threatening to retract his support for traction-control, Jordan said he would not make his quest a 'witch-hunt.'

'This is a private matter,' said EJ, 'it's not a fight. It's a matter of finding a solution but at this moment I see there doesn't appear to be one.'

EJ predicts the rise of the privateers

Eddie Jordan has forecast the resurgence of Formula One's privateers. The Silverstone-based boss has barely scraped-together a budget for 2004 but he reckons the future is brighter because of the nature of F1's manufacturers.

'I see a complete change-around in the future of F1,' he said in Melbourne. 'I have to question what is going to happen with the major manufacturers because they don't like to finish at the back.  'They need us because total failure is not acceptable.'

Irish-born Jordan says the team's new EJ14 is a 'very quick' and nimble machine that might just be good-enough for sixth overall in the constructors' chase.

'I'm going to stick it out until I win this championship so, I'm sorry guys, maybe I'll have to be around for a while,' he concluded to journalists.

Jordan slams working hours limit

Eddie Jordan has backed-up the British motor sport industry's recent condemnation of a European Commission-led desire to restrict working hours. The Formula One boss said a proposed 35-hour week in Britain is 'nonsense.'

A report issued by the 'National Motorsport Employers Group' reckoned the Working Time directive would be negative for all motor sport companies. EJ agrees.

He told The Independent: 'Successful teams were founded on people's willingness to work as long as it takes, fifty or sixty hour weeks. 'To them it is absolutely vocational.'

Jordan has previously said that unlike factory workers or garbage- men, mechanics and F1 team personnel love their job and consider it a 'hobby' or 'passion.'

'With a 35-hour week you will have to send quality people home and run second shifts,' he added. 'This will jack up your wages bill.'

Worse still, there's a risk that bigger teams, to counter the limits, will turn to poaching qualified, experienced people from the smaller outfits like Jordan.

Eddie concluded: 'How does that help us?'

Jordan gives up on cost cutting quest

Eddie Jordan has 'given up' a quest to cut costs in Formula One. The Irishman, whose Silverstone-based team runs on the sport's second- smallest budget, is disillusioned by his richer rivals' reluctance to embrace change. Asked by F1 Racing magazine what he's thinking about next to reduce spiraling expenditure for all teams, EJ said: 'I don't know. I've given up.

'Every time anybody suggests anything it gets brushed to one side.' Last season, EJ's former technical deputy Gary Anderson suggested that the GP-weekend could be cut to just two days to reduce the associated costs of racing. And EJ is a staunch-supporter of mandating reduced levels of testing. Jordan reckons the only reason big teams like Ferrari and McLaren want to keep ten competitors in F1 is so they don't have to field a third car in grands prix.

'They don't care if we're uncompetitive,' he told the magazine.

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