Energy drinks giant Red Bull is now favourite to join the Jordan-Ford team as title sponsor for 2003. The US-based company, who has backed Sauber and Arrows in the past, is in negotiations with the struggling outfit. A fresh injection of sponsor cash would ease concerns over the team's ability to survive this season and in returned Jordan would be expected to offer their second race seat to a driver backed by Red Bull.
Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi was tipped as favourite to land the second seat with continued support from Red Bull. Now the US company is thought to favour ChampCar racer Bryan Herta as part of ongoing plans to create a completely American F1 team, supported or owned by Red Bull.
Herta has signalled his intention to reach F1 in 2003, entering negotiations with Paul Stoddart's Minardi team. The former ChampCar racer is in line to test for Minardi during the new Friday practice session this season. However, with new backing from Red Bull his sights are firmly set on landing the only remaining F1 race seat.
Red Bull's interest in Jordan has lengthened the odds on Eddie Irvine returning to the team. The Ulsterman was tipped to re-join after it emerged Benson & Hedges were willing to increase their funding in return for a high profile British driver. While Herta is now favourite, insiders still suggest that should the Red Bull deal fall through, Benson & Hedges will step in and Irvine will almost certainly get the nod.
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