Eddie Jordan today raised the prospect of ...

Published on 12 August 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

Eddie Jordan today raised the prospect of a battle behind the scenes for the signing of Italian talent Giancarlo Fisichella. Jordan told for BBC Radio that he had not agreed to releasing Giancarlo to go to Benetton. Flavio Briattore, Benetton manager, is understood to have signed Giancarlo for Benetton and then loaned him to Jordan this year. He declared that "We have been impressed by his performance and had no hesitation in exercising our option so that he can drive for us next year."

Eddie Jordan was very surprised by all this and that he got a copy of the Benetton press release while on holiday in Sardinia. "I found the whole thing very strange. All I can say is that such an announcement is very premature and we intend to honour the confidentiality aspect of our agreement with Fisichella." When asked a Benetton official was adamant and said: "As far as we are concerned, he will be driving for Benetton."