By Phil Giles
November 11 2002

As speculated on this site earlier this season, Deutsche Post has announced that it will no longer be sponsoring the Silverstone based Jordan Formula One Team. The teams contract with the German sponsor ended at the end of this season and the news came as no shock to the team.

Jordan has known for a while that the contract would not be renewed, although it is a massive blow for the team as they are having difficulty finding sponsors for next season.  This is making it extremely difficult for the team to raise the funds it needs to actually go racing next year.

"We have known about Deutsche Post World Net's decision on a strictly confidential basis for some time, and therefore, as you would expect, we are in negotiations with new sponsors," said Eddie. "We have a stong track record commercially and although this past season was not among our most competitive, the fact that we finished in the top six for a ninth consecutive season shows that even in difficult times we have acquitted ourselves well.

"Given our optimism about the new relationship with Ford of Europe and Cosworth Racing, and looking at the design of next year's car, we have every reason to look forward to new goals and a new era for the team."

Effectively, unless Takuma can come up with a major sponsorship deal for 2003, the second seat at the team is open to the highest bidder.  Eddie Irvine would be a current favourite as Benson and Hedges are known to favour a British driver for the seat and may save EJ a packet by stumping up for Irvine's wage bill, however rookie Anthony Davidson is also in the frame for the same reasons.

Gert Schukies, Deutsche Post spokesman: "We have totally achieved our goals in terms of communication. Participating in motor racing has enabled us to make our brand known internationally."  He added: "Jordan Ltd were fair and communicative partners throughout our three years of collaboration."

Eddie has said that they are looking for and are in talks with potential sponsors for next year.  Jordan Fans Online wishes EJ and the team every success in finding a partner to bring more success on the track.