In its efforts to identify its driver line-up for the 2006 season, Team Jordan today announced it was roping in BAR Honda's Anthony Davidson as a test driver, fuelling speculation over the future of India's Narain Karthikeyan with the team.
Davidson, who currently fills up the third driver spot for BAR Honda, will test the Jordan Grand Prix (EJ15) car at the Silverstone circuit on September 13.
"As part of Midland's process of identifying its driver line-up in the 2006 Formula One World Championship, we are pleased to announce that British driver Anthony Davidson will test a Jordan Grand Prix car at Silverstone on Sep 13," Colin Kolles, Managing Director of Jordan Grand Prix, said.
Analysts say that if Jordan is to dump one of its current drivers, it is more likely to be Karthikeyan than Tiago Montiero. Karthikeyan has completed just 11 of the 15 races this season compared to Montiero's all 15 and languishing on position 17 in the driver's championship, three positions behind his team-mate from Portugal.
"We're looking forward to working with Anthony during the test and to continuing discussions regarding a longer-term role into Midland's entry into the 2006 Formula One World Championship," Kolles said adding that Davidson "definitely deserves an opportunity to race in Formula one."
"Davidson has proved himself to be quick and outstandingly talented in junior Formulae and as an official third driver for BAR Honda. He definitely deserves an opportunity to race in Formula One," Kolles said.
Davidson, on his part, said he was looking forward to test drive with Jordan.
"I'm really looking forward to testing with the Jordan team at Silverstone next week and the EJ15 will certainly be an exciting new challenge.
"This test shows how serious I am about finding a race drive for next year and I would like to thank BAR Honda for allowing me to stand down from the team's Barcelona test and take up this opportunity. I'm hoping it will be a very positive experience for myself and the Jordan team."
