Formula 1: Fisichella signs for Jordan

Benetton driver Giancarlo Fisichella is returning to Jordan for the 2001 season.

Fisichella has agreed a three-year deal with Eddie Jordan's outfit - who he drove for in 1997.

The Italian has secured a three-year deal with the Silverstone-based team.

Eddie Jordan said: "I am overjoyed that Giancarlo has signed a three year contract with us, as this gives Jordan and Honda a strong platform to build on.

"Planning for the long-term future is vital and stability and continuity are key to success."

The 28-year-old, who has had a tough season so far in a poor Benetton car, secured two podium finishes - third in Canada and second in Belgium - in his previous spell at Jordan.

He will replace Frenchman Jean Alesi, who agreed to drive for the team until the end of the season following the sacking of Heinz-Harald Frentzen last month.