At the moment Jordan’s title sponsor for the last 6 years, Benson & Hedges, have not been confirmed for 2002. This has led many to speculate that the tobacco giants not been happy with the team’s performance and want to break their existing contract. In the vital Constructor’s Championship, Jordan have followed an amazing 3rd place in 1999 with disappointing 6th in 2000 and 5th in 2001.

"This talk about our team being in trouble is total rubbish.” Jordan told the UK paper. "For some reason people like to put the boot into us whenever they get the chance, but if they think we've had it, they've got another thing coming.

"The team is in good shape and next season we intend to be back in the top four, where we belong," he continued. "The future of Jordan Grand Prix has never been in doubt. There has been some prudent restructuring here, which you would expect of a responsible organisation."

Clarifying the financial situation he concluded, "this is a profitable concern and we have an ample budget. The very least we expect next season is to finish fourth. I believe we should have been above Sauber in fourth place last season but we were simply unlucky.”

The launch of the EJ12 will take on an additional interest as we wait to see what role B&H play in the 2003 drive for race wins and points. Will they retain their title sponsor placing, will they have a reduced presence?

The date for the launch is still unannounced.