Massa Rides Again?

Out on his ear?
By Phil Giles
November 22 2002

The silly season hasn't finished as both Jordan and Minardi have yet to confirm their drivers for 2003. Minardi seem to be reuniting ex-Arrows drivers Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa, however confusion reigns over Jordan's number two seat.

It emerges today that another driver is in the frame and has apparently completed a deal with Jordan for a drive next year.  Felipe Massa has told CEN Vienna: "It's all decided. Eddie Jordan wants me in his team."

"I am very confident about the 2003 season." He continued. "I am focusing on F1 racing 100 per cent. Should I not get a racing contract, I will sign on with one of the top teams as their test driver."

Filipe's confidence seem's out of place given that Takuma Sato still has a contract to drive for the team in 2003.  Even so, there are more "Talented" drivers available for the team to select.  Eddie Irvine's future isn't settled, neither is Enrique Bernoldi's or indeed that of Pedro de la Rosa.

It must be a wonder to think that Eddie would prefer Massa over one of the other drivers, especially Eddie Irvine who's presence would be a big draw for potential British sponsors.

To take on Massa rather than Sato would be a bad move.  This team really needs to improve it's championship standing.  Experience over money would be best, however given the loss of Deutche Post and the massive hole in the budget left by their departure, money will probably rule the roost.

Marketing director Mark Gallagher told ITV-F1: "It is true that the identity of our second driver will be commercially influenced. Fisi and Taku are both are under contract and have equality but when it comes to Sato’s position in the team, if necessary our decision will be commercially driven."

"That is not to say we will choose a driver solely for commercial reasons. We have to consider a driver’s ability and the overall package because our objective is to try to finish fourth in the constructors’ championship."

"In an ideal world the team would have its driver line-up unaltered. Taku made brilliant progress last season and we are working closely with him to find backing."

"Replacing Deutsche Post is not the work of a moment but we are very confident and have several irons in the fire.

"What is clear is that in difficult circumstances we are better placed than several other teams because we are leaner and more used to running on a tight budget."

The team hope to have a date next week for the launch of the car and an announcement of the eventual driver line up is due in January.  So there's a lot more time to speculate and to wait.