Firman firms up Jordan deal?

Briton Ralph Firman has emerged victor in the battle for the final seat on the F1 grid as reports place him in the second Jordan seat for 2003.

The BBC reports that Firman, 27 from Norwich, will be joining Giancarlo Fisichella in the Ford powered EJ13 in time for the first race of the year in Melbourne.

Since Takuma Sato announced his departure from the Jordan team there has been plenty of speculation over who would take his place. Sponsorship money was thought to be the deciding factor in any decision the Silverstone based concern made.

No details have emerged over what financial package Firman can bring to the outfit and the Brit's name was certainly not one of the favourites speculated for the seat.

According to the report, today he will be at the Jordan factory for his seat fitting and tomorrow the official announcement will be made.

"It's what I've always dreamed of," the BBC reports Firman as saying.