EJ: Jos won't be driving here in 2004.

Eddie Jordan has played down speculation linking Jos Verstappen to the seat currently occupied by F1 rookie Giorgio Pantano, despite signing a deal with the Dutchman's principal backer.

Already under fire for what many have viewed as lacklustre performances in the opening three races of the year, Pantano's position was rumoured to be in greater jeopardy when Jordan and Trust announced that they had agreed a sponsorship deal to the end of the season. Trust backed Verstappen into a seat at Minardi last year, and invited his manager to talks with Jordan this week, but the Silverstone-based team insists that it will remain with its original line-up.

"We tried very hard to put something together [with Verstappen at the start of the season] which, for a number of reasons, didn't happen," Jordan told Reuters journalists at the San Marino Grand Prix, "I have made my choice with the drivers I have, and that's what the contract says and that's what will continue.

Despite not looking likely to hire the Dutchman himself, Jordan admitted that he would push his claim to a seat if an opening arose elsewhere.

"I think he is a good driver and I'd like to help him if I can," Jordan said, "He tried very hard to drive for us this year but, sometimes, right at the end, it doesn't happen. "Having said that, there could be a testing agreement with somebody, there could be a big team needs a driver...if we can help him in any way we will do."