By Phil Giles
November 24 2003

The F1 rumour mill is in full flow as far as Jordan is concerned. Rumours have recently hit the web about Frentzen, Finances and a Chinese buy out among others. We'll take a quick look at what is currently being reported.

Heinz Harald Frentzen has suggested that Jordan is his best hope for a drive in F1 next season.  Jordan who still have Ralph Firman contracted to the team for 2004 has already publicly offered seats to both Heinz and his ex-Sauber room mate Nick Heidfeld.  Frentzen is 36 and surely must now be ready for the F1 scrap heap.

Jordan's finances have also come under scrutiny.  Warburg Pincus have sold their share in the company to an Irish consortium, however it's difficult to see that Jordan are in a better position after the sale.

There are further rumours circulating that the team will be running different liveries at different race circuits.  The car recently ran at Macau, sporting Sobriane advertising (a familiar brand in that neck of the woods).  Although BAR were banned from running two differently liveried cars in 1999, Jordan's plans allegedly are to tailor the sponsors on the car at each race meeting.  Short term advertisers could then be found to sponsor the team at a local rather than global level, along with continued support from Benson and Hedges.

While others are content to bash EJ at every opportunity, I certainly believe that Jordan's 2004 will be a regrouping exercise.  If the team can produce a better car than the EJ13 and lets face it, that shouldn't be too difficult perhaps some more hard work behind the scenes will get Jordan back into the driving seat.

Whatever happens Jordan remains the most co-operative and fan friendly team on the grid.  They know that the fans are very passionate and will support them to the hilt.  Nobody wants to see this team fail and given our support, they won't.

Have your say on our messageboard.