Jordan have handed the final place on the Formula One grid to Italian rookie Giorgio Pantano. The 25-year-old, who will bring around £4m to the team, will partner Germany's Nick Heidfeld to complete the 2004 Formula One driver line-up.
Former world kart champion Pantano, who has tested for Williams, Benetton and McLaren, emerged as favourite to land the Jordan drive after Jos Verstappen pulled out of talks when he was unable to agree a deal.
Pantano has been competing in the F3000 series for the past few years, winning six races, having won the German F3 Championship in his first season of single seater racing.
"Giorgio performed consistently with accomplished race craft at the front of the field for three years in F3000 and he's ready for the challenge in F1," said team chief Eddie Jordan.
"In Jordan Ford's driver pairing I believe we have the best possible combination of youth, experience and natural ability.
"Giorgio and Nick are seriously quick, skilled and hungry for success, which is exactly what we need to rejuvenate the team and lead Jordan's fight-back in 2004. I can't wait for the first race!"
Pantano, who tested for Jordan in Jerez this week while contract talks continued, said: "I'm so happy. I want to thank Eddie Jordan and everybody at Jordan Grand Prix for giving me the opportunity to be in F1 and show my ability. I will be giving my all as I really want to guarantee them good results.
"There are a lot of people I have to thank for helping me get to this position and I hope I will make them proud. I'm looking forward to driving the car some more in the test sessions, and then of course, I am really excited about my first Grand Prix in Melbourne in just a few weeks' time."
Pantano will make his debut at the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 7.
Filed by Aidan O'Doherty
