Fresh hope for Firman

Ralph Firman’s hopes of securing a drive with Jordan again for the new Formula One season were revived today after Dutch driver Jos Verstappen failed to reach a deal with the team.

Jordan have yet to confirm their line-up, despite the first grand prix of the new campaign now fast approaching in Australia on March 7.

Several candidates are ready to step in to the driver’s seat, including German Nick Heidfeld and Britain’s Allan McNish.

Verstappen had been the leading contender, but his management team revealed negotiations had broken down.

“We have all done our best to come to an agreement,” said Verstappen on www.verstappen.nl. “However, at this time there is no sense in continuing with the negotiations.”

But Norwich-born racer Firman – who endured a difficult F1 debut for Jordan in 2003, scoring just one point from 14 starts – maintains he is ready to help the team’s prospects.

“I know Jordan don’t look back on last year with any satisfaction,” said Firman on his personal website, www.ralphfirman.com.

“They acknowledge it as being their worst ever year and I drove their second car in their worst ever year in my first ever year in F1.

“But I also know that if I step into the EJ14, I would go to Melbourne with a foundation of experience behind me, a team I know and really like and with the absolute confidence that we will make a big step forward from last year.

“I know absolutely that I have an immense amount to bring to Jordan in a second season within F1.

“I can bring the car home in one piece and score points for Jordan, which surely is what matters most now for Jordan.”

Firman revealed he had followed all the media speculation about who would be handed the drivers berth for next season.

“While that has been frustrating at times, I respect the fact that the team have to examine all their options and find the best possible combination of drivers and financial support to go racing in the best way possible,” said the 28-year-old.

“I know the team have not yet taken up their option on me because I don’t have a major sponsor to bring and they also criticised my one-lap qualifying at times last year.”

“I know in myself that when I learn a formula, I always perform and sooner or later win the championship. This I always do.”