verstappen back?

[Taku 0]

what's going on?

from grandprix.com:

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The latest on Jordan

The Jordan team is going to run with its usual drivers this weekend but there are still deals being discussed between the team and Dutchman Jos Verstappen. According to our sources, the stories about Verstappen stepping in are not far from the truth but the team would replace not Giorgio Pantano but rather Nick Heidfeld because the German is driving for the team without money. Verstappen would bring sponsorship from Trust but it seems that there are still problems getting an agreement between the team and Verstappen's management. It is not clear why there is a sticking point in the talks but the fact that the driver line-up in Imola is unchanged suggests that there is still a problem.

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i can understand that pantano would be difficult to get rid of with his sponsorship dollars (ej can hardly afford another lawsuit!) but are they in that much need of money that they'd drop their best driver? the "problems" in making the deal happen sound like de ja vu don't they.

i personally don't think they should bother. heidfeld doesn't set the world on fire but he's solid. verstappen struggled against rookie wilson last year and i think teh only one that really rates him in f1 is m$.

[Sato 0]

Jos the boss wasn't too bad back in the day....but i really wouldn't rate him anymore. I don't think dropping poor hiedfeld is the thing to do either.....but hey im not EJ and if he wants to screw the team even more then thats his decision.

[nojvnof1 0]

I'd like to see Pantano given a go as Jos has had his chance, many times over. Sadly I feel Heidfeld will go as he doesn't bring $$$, although I'm not sure about that. If I were EJ i'd tell him to get lost after what his fans did to EJ. But hey, when you're arguing against $$$, what chance do you have. Ej is has already screwed his team, now he's just burying it if he does so.

[Nicklaus 0]

Verstappen will not replace Heidfeld but Pantano

[AutoRacer5 0]

Verstappen needs a shot with a top team. His potential has only been with c-rap cars.

[Senna 0]

Verstappen will not replace Heidfeld but Pantano  

Obviously…

[Taku 0]

you would think so, but that would mean ej would surely lose his italian sponsorship $. trust money would offset this somewhat but..

[nojvnof1 0]

pitpass.com reports EJ has rules out hiring Jos this season, and has announced Trust will sponsor the team for the rest of the year. Make of that what you will.

[eddoyle 0]

Bottom line is Jordan are on for making in well in excess of

[nojvnof1 0]

Bottom line is Jordan are on for making in well in excess of

[Senna 0]

But apparently they are considering doing it for the 2006 season and beyond…

[eddoyle 0]

Mmm. Id be interested to see those reports about Toyota.

While it would be clearly in both Jordans and Toyotas interest to begin a relationship (jordan so as they woudnnt have to pay ford, and toyota so as they are not there yet in their development and would benefit from a clear year with gasgoigne focussing on the aero stuff). The other consideration is when the contract will end.

With standard f1 engine contracts running 3 years that would be 2006, 2007, & 2008.

whether any team would want to sign a contract for 2008 at this stage is very questionable, (though probably be more in toyotas interest than jordans). The other option of course would be a two year deal.

I would be interested though to see the reports on saying that Toyota are not planning any deal prior to 2006.

[Sato 0]

Verstappen needs a shot with a top team. His potential has only been with c-rap cars.

Wan't he with benneton when they were one of the top teams?

[nojvnof1 0]

Verstappen needs a shot with a top team. His potential has only been with c-rap cars.

Wan't he with benneton when they were one of the top teams?

I think he was in and out of the team. He was their tester and replaced JJ Lehto for a few races after he broke his neck in a testing shunt.