Midland keen on Davidson

Midland were set to make their Formula One debut next year, but after buying 100 percent of Jordan's shares last week, the team are now urgently looking for drivers for the coming season. "We are working on this, we will make an announcement very soon," said Midland F1 managing director Colin Kolles.

Jordan had three drivers last year - Germany's Nick Heidfeld, who is sure to be signed by Williams either as a racer or tester, Germany's Timo Glock and Italian Giorgio Pantano. Glock is reported to be close to resigning withe the team while Pantano is rumoured to be considering a step down to the next feeder series, GP2.

However, Kolles has also got his eye on British test sensation Anthony Davidson. The young BAR test driver has missed out on a series of race seats this season due to contract obligations but Jordan could be willing to accept his services for a one-year deal.

Davidson was offered a test with Williams last year but was unable to take it due to contractual problems, with BAR insisting that he remain available to them for 2006 should Briton Jenson Button leave.

Midland, owned by 36-year-old Russian-born Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider, made their move after Shnaider was introduced to Eddie Jordan by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The group, with extensive interests in Russia and the former Soviet Union, are planning a launch in Moscow's Red Square next month with President Vladimir Putin on the guest list.

Jordan will be renamed Midland next year. Until then, the Midland name will feature in Formula Three, a junior category that serves as a training ground for would-be grand prix drivers.