Jordan in no rush to name test pilot.

Eddie Jordan, fresh from naming Ralph Firman as his second driver for the forthcoming 2003 Formula One season, may take his time before announcing the addition of a permanent test pilot to the squad.

The Silverstone-based Jordan team took as long as it felt possible before confirming Firman as partner to Giancarlo Fisichella, but will not be rushed into naming a third driver - and may not reveal his or her identity until the start of the European season in April. With limited testing time between now and the start of the 2003 campaign in Australia on 9 March - and then two further 'flyaway' races before the San Marino GP - the team will concentrate on giving Firman and Fisichella as much track time as is realistic to get them in tune with the new Ford-powered EJ13.

"It's taken me a couple of months to sort out a second driver, so I think I'm going to take a little break and think about it," Jordan said, when questioned on the identity of his third driver by Reuters, "I have to think about what is in the best interests of the team.

"Don't hold me to this, but I think it is probably beneficial for the team to concentrate on Ralph and Giancarlo for the first three flyaways, because they are difficult enough as they are. Only then would we look into introducing a reserve/test driver because we will need that person to do a lot of the work that is required, particularly on the Fridays [at each grand prix]."

Firman's fellow Briton Gary Paffett, the reigning German Formula Three champion, currently leads the candidates for the role, having apparently come close to consideration for the second race seat, and following the announcement of fellow Jordan hopeful Felipe Massa as test driver for Ferrari.