Nick in Pole at Jordan?

Nick Heidfeld
By Phil Giles
November 9 2003

Autosport reported this week that the ex-Sauber driver German Nick Heidfeld has been to Silverstone and to Jordan HQ, for talks with the team about a race seat for 2004.

Jordan are looking for at least one driver to replace Giancarlo Fisichella who has been signed by Heidfeld's previous employer Peter Sauber. Speculation is that Ralph Firman will keep his seat for 2004 but that is only speculation.  Jordan may still be looking for two drivers who can pay for a seat.  Heidfeld was welcomed by Eddie earlier in the year, but as the silly season progressed even Heinz Harald Frentzen was in the frame for a seat.

Frentzen may be looking to a seat in the US CART series which therefore puts him out of the running for a drive.  One down for Ralph.

Jordan need to up their popularity and perhaps a recognised driver like Nick would bring a fan element back to the team who perhaps wouldn't have that if Jordan kept Ralph and opted for another unknown unproven driver. 

Jordan's ability to pick 'em is undoubted but when money is tight, it's got to go as far as it can.  Will it stretch as far as paying a driver or is there so little left in the pot that another pay driver has to be found.

As I type this little story, I'm watching ITV's "Who wants to be a Millionaire?".  The couple who are now on the £6,000 question have been presented with the following.  "What nationality is racing driver Nick Heidfeld?"  The fella is convinced that Nick is a Dutchman.  His female partner hasn't a clue but thinks that the name could be German.  So, it's last lifeline time.  The couple didn't even know if Nick was an F1 driver.  They phone a friend who is "always watching Formula One".  After 30 seconds of umming and ahing, the phone a friend still didn't know who Nick was.  So after three years in an F1 car, the British public at large still would have no idea who he was and what business he had doing in an F1 car.

Meanwhile, the EJ13 will be making two further appearances this year when Ralph Firman drives the car at his old stomping ground at Macau.  The car will also take to the track at the Jerez circuit in a final testing session.  More news on this when it's available.