Hugh
01-08-2002, 14:12
Taken from www.itv-f1.com (http://www.itv-f1.com)
Motor giant Ford could return to Formula 1 under its own name by joining forces with Jordan.
This amazing turnaround, exclusively revealed in this week's Autosport magazine, would see Ford effectively competing against itself with Jaguar. The plan, believed to close to completion, would see a three-year partnership between the two as they become known as Ford-Jordan. It is thought that head honchos at Ford see it as a low-cost alternative to the Jaguar model that has spent tens of millions with limited success. And that the Jordan link-up would still allow the company to lever its brand – the cars would carry the famous blue oval logo. Another tie-in would come through Jordan’s principle sponsor DeutschePoste who own DHL – they are believed to be buying a fleet of Ford vans. For Eddie Jordan and his team it could prove the perfect respite from financial difficulties. But a move of this significance will have its repercussions. It would be difficult to see Takuma Sato keeping his drive as the Japanese link that effectively installed him at Jordan evaporates. It will also put the cat among the pigeons for Jaguar.
Motor giant Ford could return to Formula 1 under its own name by joining forces with Jordan.
This amazing turnaround, exclusively revealed in this week's Autosport magazine, would see Ford effectively competing against itself with Jaguar. The plan, believed to close to completion, would see a three-year partnership between the two as they become known as Ford-Jordan. It is thought that head honchos at Ford see it as a low-cost alternative to the Jaguar model that has spent tens of millions with limited success. And that the Jordan link-up would still allow the company to lever its brand – the cars would carry the famous blue oval logo. Another tie-in would come through Jordan’s principle sponsor DeutschePoste who own DHL – they are believed to be buying a fleet of Ford vans. For Eddie Jordan and his team it could prove the perfect respite from financial difficulties. But a move of this significance will have its repercussions. It would be difficult to see Takuma Sato keeping his drive as the Japanese link that effectively installed him at Jordan evaporates. It will also put the cat among the pigeons for Jaguar.