Jordan drive on without rookie Firman

RALPH FIRMAN’S hopes of staying in Formula One were left in tatters last night as Jordan handed the final place on the grid to Italian rookie Giorgio Pantano.

The 25-year-old, who will bring around £4million to the team, will partner Germany's Nick Heidfeld to complete the 2004 Formula One driver line-up.

Firman scored one point in his maiden season with Jordan last year but the Norwich-based racer will like fellow rookie Justin Wilson now have to seek a driver in another formula, possibly in the United States.