Nationality: UK/Ireland Drivers: Nick Heidfeld (Ger) Timo Glock (Ger) Engine: Cosworth V10 Tyres: Bridgestone Team principal: Eddie Jordan Years in F1: 14 2004 position: 9th Drivers' titles: 0 Constructors' titles: 0

Jordan headed into this year trying to prove they have the wherewithal to re-establish themselves as serious contenders in Formula One.

But there has been no sign of an improvement on the previous two years, which were dire, despite a somewhat fortunate win in Brazil in 2003.

Poor cars and a lack of funds have left Jordan stuck at the back of the grid with no obvious way out.

Driver Nick Heidfeld has done his best but Jordan are struggling to survive.

Jordan's problems grew even deeper in September with Ford's decision to put engine builder Cosworth up for sale.

That raises the prospect of Jordan not having an engine in 2005, even if they are in talks with other engine builders, particularly Toyota.

Already struggling to raise the necessary funding, the team will be doing well to survive the winter.

It remains hard to believe that it is only five years since Jordan were battling for the world title with Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and four since they were on the front row at Monaco and Spa thanks to Jarno Trulli.

Things have been going downhill since technical director Mike Gascoyne left to join Renault in 2000, and this year and last have been a battle to survive poor reliability and amend a poorly-realised car.

Last year's EJ13 was probably the poorest car the team have ever produced, lacking grip and downforce in alarming quantities, and this year's EJ14 was little better.

Jordan have continued to be ahead only of the Minardis on pace.

Eddie Jordan is nothing if not a survivor - but he will need more than his wit and nose for a deal to salvage from this crisis his reputation as a credible contender.