Sponsorship blow for Jordan as Ford declines to back him

EDDIE JORDAN’S hopes of having official backing from American car giant Ford next season have been scuppered at the last minute.

Senior Ford management last night formally ruled out any chance of the famous blue oval appearing on Jordan cars in 2003 and engaging in a Formula One fight with its own Jaguar brand.

The Irishman, who looks set to lose his Honda deal at the end of the year, has been told by Ford that he can have Cosworth engines next season but only on a customer basis.