Friday October 22nd, 2004

By Dieter Rencken

Sources at Gallaher International, owner of Jordan sponsors Benson & Hedges, have indicated that a decision was taken 'this week' to end the commercial arrangement between the tobacco brand and the Formula One team after Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

If true, the news would mean a major blow to the team who race in distinctive yellow livery - adopted after they first attracted the brand's sponsorship in 1996 - and places further pressure on an already-embattled team boss Eddie Jordan.

The team must lodge a $500,000 entry fee by 15 November if they wish to compete in next year's Championship, but Jordan has proposed dispensation to sit out the year to enable them to prepare for a return in 2006. The request is unlikely to be granted.

Another alternative, according to a source close to the team, is for Jordan to 'scale back drastically' on staff until the opening round of the 2005 championship.

Jordan were given 'seven minutes notice' a month ago that engine supplier Cosworth would be doubling its lease costs after being put up for sale by owners Ford.

Published at 17:45:37 GMT

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(03-11-2005): Australian GP Paddock Gossip (03-09-2005): Greece Finds Site for Formula One Track (03-09-2005): Red Bull Set to Get Honda Engines in 2006 (03-08-2005): Schumacher in Line for Sporting Oscars (03-07-2005): Daily Grapevine Sunday Analysis - Australia

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