Cash-strapped Jordan say they will not be rushed into finalising their driver line-up for 2003.

Eddie Jordan's team, which dumped Japanese Takuma Sato last month, confirmed no decision will be announced until tests on their all-new Ford-powered car later in January.

Current sponsors Benson & Hedges are believed to want a British driver to replace Sato, with Eddie Irvine leading the chase.

But the likes of Dutchman Jos Verstappen and Brazilians Felipe Massa and Enrique Bernoldi would all bring substantial personal sponsorship.

It is assumed that Giancarlo Fisichella will remain as Jordan's number one driver.

A team statement said: "In spite of intense media speculation concerning various drivers and their possible links with Jordan, the team has made no decision concerning either the second race seat or reserve driver.

"Team boss Eddie Jordan is concentrating on finalising sponsorship agreements prior to making any decisions or announcements regarding the driver line-up."