Jordan to sue Vodaphone?

Preparing for action
By Phil Giles
June 9 2003

Jordan Grand Prix are allegedly preparing legal proceedings against the mobile phone company Vodaphone. Jordan is to sue the company for £150 million, alleging that they had a sponsorship deal which Vodaphone reneged on plumping instead to provide sponsorship of the current World Champions Ferrari.

The Sunday Times newspaper said that a Vodaphone spokesman confirmed that they had been in talks with several F1 teams. Jordan amongst them.  "We believe, and we have been advised by leading counsel, that the claim is wholly without merit and therefore we will vigorously defend our position." he said.

Paddock speculation is rife that this action could potentially cause a rift between the sport and a company which put is a huge amount of sponsorship money it's way.  Not only do Vodaphone sponsor Ferrari but also provide trackside sponsorship to five of the circuits on the calendar.

Messageboard visitor Nuflyer has speculated that it's quot;very bad PR for the team, especially in a time when they are trying to impress potential sponsors."  We hope that this is an action that has been carefully thought out by the team otherwise it could backfire dreadfully on the team and even the sport as a whole.

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