Pantano to partner Heidfeld at Jordan?

Italian Giorgio Pantano has become the new favourite to join the Jordan Ford team.

According to reports by BBC Radio Five Live Jordan are now said to be 'close to concluding a deal' with the former F3000 driver, after talks with Jos Verstappen collapsed on Thursday.

Pantano, who has completed odd tests for Williams, McLaren and Benetton in 2002, 2001, and 2000 respectively, finished third last year in the FIA Formula 3000 championship, scoring 41 points.

Should the Italian get the nod, he will team up with Nick Heidfeld.

If the story is correct, it spells bad news for Brits Ralph Firman and Allan McNish, both who had been linked to the Silverstone based team.

For the record previous rumours have indicated that Pantano was in line for the test role at Jordan, in competition with Timo Glock.

A 'Jordan source' told British newspaper, The Guardian yesterday [Saturday], when asked if either Firman or McNish stood a chance, that their fans better start praying.

"They'd better keep their fingers crossed if they think they have a chance," the broadsheet quoted the source as saying, "And a lot more besides."

More to follow as and when we get it...