Jordan sues Vodafone, telecom company unconcerned.

Telecommunications giant Vodafone says that it is not worried about a legal action being brought against it by Jordan, claiming that allegations that it pulled out of a sponsorship agreement is 'wholly without merit'.

Britain's Sunday Times newspaper broke news of the lawsuit which, it is alleged, surrounds Jordan's claim that Vodafone was on the verge of inking a sponsorship deal with the Silverstone team before being lured away by Ferrari. According to the newspaper, Jordan is now seeking ?150million in damages to redress the balance.

Vodafone maintains that it did, indeed, hold talks with Jordan - as it did with several other F1 teams - but claims not to have contracted itself to the Silverstone team or anyone else before signing for third sponsor rights with Ferrari.

"Vodafone Group Plc confirms that proceedings are being brought by Jordan Grand Prix Limited," the telecoms company said in a statement issued earlier today [Monday], "The claim concerns discussions which Vodafone had with Jordan and other grand prix teams about potential sponsorship early in 2001, but which Vodafone believes - and has been advised by leading counsel - is wholly without merit. On that basis, Vodafone is vigorously defending its position."

The company insists that the case will not have any impact on its future sponsorship of Formula One, in which its branding on the two Ferraris is accompanied by trackside advertising.