The French veteran has expressed an interest in CART as well as being linked to the Arrows Formula One team, but has denied rumours that he has been in talks with Tom Walkinshaw. He reiterated that his hopes lay with Jordan, although he was giving mixed signals as to whether he would stay in F1 if the didn't get the Jordan seat.

Alesi told France's L'Equipe newspaper Wednesday that he had asked Jordan to decide on his future before the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix next week. “I asked Eddie to tell me about his decision before Suzuka. I have not had a serious discussion with anybody else, but if I must go, I hope to know early enough to find another solution,” he said.

In Autosport, however, he seems to suggest he will retire if he doesn't secure a seat with the Irish team. "All these things about me driving for Arrows are not true," he said during the test at Mugello today (Thursday). "For me it is Jordan or nothing. It is clear from the moment I signed my contract with Jordan that an option for next year has been included.

"Jordan has not announced a driver line-up yet and there are several other contenders for that seat, but I hope I can stay. I had considered going to the US when I was driving for Prost because there was no future there, but I am not considering it now. I am just waiting for a clear answer from Jordan, and we will hopefully see."