Alesi: I'm driving for Jordan in 2002.

New Jordan signing Jean Alesi has said that his deal with the Anglo-Irish team extends beyond the end of this season and that he will be driving for the team in 2002.

Fiery Frenchman Alesi, one of the most popular drivers in Formula One, was believed to be acting as a stand-in at Jordan until the end of the year following the surprise sacking of Heinz-Harald Frentzen, just before the German Grand Prix.

However, the BBC report that when the ex-Prost driver was quizzed about his deal on French television he said: "I will also drive for Jordan next year. Eddie (Jordan) called me to ask me if I was available for the end of the season. In fact, I signed for 2002 as well."

Alesi's claim will come as a surprise to many who thought that Frentzen's sacking was part of some sort of 'masterplan' to help get engine supplier Honda on-side in the face of pressure from BAR - perhaps by signing Japanese star Takuma Sato.

However, Alesi is popular in Japan, thanks partly to his wife being Japanese, and if one of the most consistent drivers in Formula One can 'Gel' with the Jordan team then it seems he could be with them for a full campaign next season.