By Nikki Reynolds, F1 Editor - Motorsport.com

Jordan is expected to announce Giorgio Pantano as its second driver, with a
deal reportedly due to be closed today, February 11th. Pantano, who tried
out the EJ14 at Jerez yesterday, has become the main contender for the last
race seat in F1 after Jos Verstappen dropped out. Jordan's business manager
Ian Phillips thinks signing Pantano will go ahead.

"We have received all the necessary assurances from Pantano's management
that his sponsorship will be in place by Wednesday," Phillips told The
Guardian. "Until that is in place the deal is technically still not done. We
are confident it will be."

So it seems the Italian F3000 driver will partner Nick Heidfeld next year.
However, Verstappen was in the same position until last week so nothing can
be certain until Jordan officially confirms it. The EJ14 is now running
without the Trust logo, Verstappen's major sponsor, as it did at the
shakedown, so the Dutchman's dealings with the team are apparently
permanently ended.

Allan McNish has given up on any chance of the Jordan seat and will return
to sportscars this year with Audi. He will race in the Le Mans endurance
series along with former F1 driver Johnny Herbert.

"Eddie (Jordan) was straight with me all the way, he is in the situation of
having to take the driver with most money," said McNish in regard to his
talks with the team boss. "Circumstances in motor sport dictate that at the
moment."

Pantano has previously tested for Bentton, McLaren and Williams. He managed
33 laps at Jerez yesterday, familiarizing himself with the car. Heidfeld
continues at the circuit today.





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