Verstappen to test for Jordan.

Jos Verstappen has had a seat fitting at the Jordan factory today [Tuesday] in preparation for a test drive which will take place on 1 June.

The Dutch driver, who came close to securing a seat with the Silverstone-based team for 2004, was accompanied to the fitting by manager Raymond Vermeulen, but the pair were keen to stress that the test was just that.

"People should not jump to any conclusions about this, it just follows on from the conversation that Michel Perridon and Eddie Jordan had [last month] in Dordrecht, with Ian Phillips and me," Vermeulen insisted, "It is good to see that Jos will be driving a F1 car again, and we look forward to seeing how the test goes and whether it helps for the future."

Verstappen is naturally happy to return to the inner circle of the F1 world, hoping that the test will reawaken his chances of racing in the future.

"I still don't know what to expect from this test," he admitted, "We will see at the beginning of June. If everything goes as planned, I will be testing for the whole day at Silverstone. But, first, let's concentrate on having my seat done.

"I am happy that I will be able to drive again, and that I will also see Eddie Jordan again, as it's been some time since I had direct contact with him. I am really curious to see what it's like with the Jordan team, and how they will react to me, what they want to tell me."

Verstappen refused to be drawn on Jordan's difficult 2004 campaign, which features Italian rookie Giorgio Pantano in 'his' seat alongside Nick Heidfeld.

"I cannot really say anything, as I am not driving," the Dutchman insisted, "Maybe I will be able to give my opinion after the test session in June. In any case, I am happy with the chance to drive a Formula One car again - at the moment, this is the most important thing for me."

Team boss Eddie Jordan admitted that he was happy to have been able to give Verstappen a chance to try the EJ14.

"I think it is fantastic that this test will offer Jos some attention, and I am happy that this has been done with the co-operation of our loyal sponsor Trust," he said, remembering to mention the Dutch IT company that agreed to back the team despite it not signing Verstappen.

"I believe Jos has a future in F1, and I hope that this test will be positive and helpful in some way with regards to that future."

Verstappen will test alone at Silverstone on 1 June, before race drivers Heidfeld and Pantano continue the three-day session on 2-3 June.