Jordan today denied they had already agreed a deal with former driver Eddie Irvine for next season.
The Silverstone-based outfit reacted to comments made by rival team boss Paul Stoddart, who said Irvine was taking the seat vacated by Japan's Takuma Sato, who today joined BAR as a test driver.
But a team spokeswoman said: "We have not agreed anything with any driver regarding the number two seat at Jordan.
"There are a number of conversations taking place but nothing has been finalised."
Irvine's main rivals for the seat are the Brazilian duo of Felipe Massa, released after one season with Sauber, and Enrique Bernoldi, without a drive because of Arrows' cash problems.
The Ulsterman's chances of returning to the team where he started his career in 1993 rely on Benson & Hedges upping their financial backing of the team.
The cigarette giant are understood to be keen on the team signing a high-profile British driver and none can guarantee the kind of publicity Irvine, 37 last month, can generate.
Irvine has been relaxing at his home in Miami since being axed by Jaguar at the end of last season while talks continue about prolonging his career.
But whoever wants the drive alongside Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella will have to come up with at least £5million after Eddie Jordan's outfit lost their deal with main sponsors Deutsche Post.
Sato could not come up with the required funds and has opted to act as Jenson Button's test driver next season with the prospect of joining the Briton on the grid in 2004 with Jacques Villeneuve's future already the subject of speculation.
PA