Brazilian Felipe Massa could be on his way to Jordan for the 2003 Formula One season after being dropped by Sauber.

A Jordan spokesperson confirmed that Massa was in the running for a drive but said no deal had been signed.

"We have had contacts with a number of drivers, including Massa, but nothing has been agreed," a Jordan spokeswoman said on Friday.

"There will be commercial considerations regarding the second race seat."

Massa is reported to have said that he thinks the deal is done and dusted.

Several options

"It's all decided, Eddie Jordan wants me in his team," he told the Autosport website.

Jordan have Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Japan's Takuma Sato under contract for next season.

But Sato is in danger of losing out despite finishing fifth in the Japanese Grand Prix, the final race of the season.

Jordan have lost their principal backer Deutsche Post and have made no secret of the fact that sponsorship will dictate who partners Fisichella.

Massa would appeal to any South American sponsors, but Britons Eddie Irvine, ousted at Jaguar, and BAR test driver Anthony Davidson have also been linked to the team.