Belgium's Leinders to test for Jordan

Belgium's Bas Leinders will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests for Jordan in Barcelona next week.

Belgium's Bas Leinders will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests for Jordan in Barcelona next week.

Leinders, who finished third in the Nissan World Series last year, will take to the cockpit next Wednesday as Jordan hit the track for the first time this year.

"I'm very happy that Jordan have given me the opportunity to do my first Formula One test," said the 28-year-old. "I, along with all Belgians, am looking forward to this. Hopefully we can do a good job and see what the future brings."

Jordan have still to announce their driver line-up for the 2004 season and although Leinders has not been regarded as one of the candidates, he could be in line for a third driver role when Belgium returns to the calendar in August.

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"I'm pleased to give Bas this opportunity in F1," said team chief Eddie Jordan. "He has proved himself to be a talented and persistent driver in the junior categories and this chance is well deserved.

"I'm delighted to see the Belgian Grand Prix return to the calendar - we have great memories associated with the track at Spa-Francorchamps, where we scored our historic 1-2 maiden victory - and it would be great if there was a Belgian driver participating as well."

Jordan will announce shortly the other drivers for the remaining days of the four-day test. The Silverstone-based team, looking for drivers who bring sponsorship, have been in talks with veteran Dutchman Jos Verstappen.

Verstappen, who drove for Minardi last year, would bring about £5 million with him. He visited the factory last week where he is believed to have been shown the new EJ14 car.

If Verstappen gets the seat, the second place could be filled by Ralph Firman, who competed for the team last year, or former Toyota driver Allan McNish.