Jos Verstappen is in contention for the vacant drive at Jordan after revealing he is in talks with more than one team in his attempt to return to Formula One.

Jordan are the only F1 team with a vacancy for the 2003 campaign which starts in Australia on 9 March.

The 30-year-old was thought to be vying with Christijan Albers for the drive at Minardi alongside British rookie Justin Wilson.

But Albers has now signed a conditional contract with Minardi.

Verstappen said he was in talks with other teams as he seeks to return to a sport he left after being surprisingly dropped by Arrows at the start of last season.

"I am very positive that I will return," said Verstappen.

We have signed a contract with Christijan Albers, but it is conditional Minardi boss Paul Stoddart

"Although nothing is sure in F1, it looks good.

"Everything involves money, but there are other details to work on. We are in contact with all teams where we think they can offer me a chance.

"The public might think that we are only talking with Minardi, but that is not true.

"We are speaking with other teams as well. That is all I can say - it is very sensitive."

Verstappen, a veteran of 91 F1 races, has recently secured sponsorship from Dutch company HMG which could boost his chances at Jordan or Minardi.

Eddie Jordan has to decide who will be his team's second driver

Jordan are looking for a driver who can bring money into the team after losing the backing of German company Deutsche Post.

Minardi's contract with Albers depends on the Dutchman raising sufficient sums in sponsorship.

"This has been a very funny time in F1, where there have been a lot of talented drivers around but not many drives available," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.

"Verstappen's management are aware we have a conditional contract with Christijan (Albers) and Christijan's management are aware we're talking to Jos.

"We have signed a contract with Christijan as the second driver, but it is conditional.

"He has to get his commercial terms in place and that's down to his management, not him."

Before Christmas, Jordan denied that a deal to bring Eddie Irvine back to the team had been agreed.

Rookies Ralph Firman and Richard Lyons are being considered as the successor to Takuma Sato.