LONDON (AFP) - Britsh Formula One team Jordan`s future has been secured with a late deal for Toyota to supply them with engines which enables them to sign up for the 2005 season.
Jordan were supplied by Ford Cosworth, who also supplied Jaguar and Minardi, upto this year but their place on the grid had been in doubt after Ford withdrew.
Last month the International Automobile Federation announced that engines would have to last for two race weekends, rather than one, as was the case last season.
That should mean teams require fewer engines, leaving manufacturers with spare capacity.
"A supply of Toyota engines is an enormous boost and I am very excited about putting together our 2005 package," team boss Eddie Jordan said Monday.
"Toyota have done the magnanimous thing for the sport by putting Formula One above their own exclusivity."
Toyota Motorsport chief Tsutomu Tomita said: "The last-minute nature of the deal offers us a challenge for the upcoming season but we are happy to take it on."
Jordan added: "This announcement, along with others coming shortly, will revive the fortunes of Jordan Grand Prix and at the same time I hope we can help Toyota in the battle for world championship honours."
11/15/2004 - 13:53 GMT - AFP