Although the deal, which sees Toyota supplying engines to Jordan, is not dependent on the Irish team giving the Japanese manufacturer's protégé Ryan Briscoe a drive, the youngster is still hoping for a race seat next season.

There is nothing much to say at the moment," Briscoe told the Herald Sun, when asked about his prospects for 2005.

"I am talking with Jordan," he revealed. "We have been talking with Jordan for a while and, really, at the moment, I'm just trying to find what's going to be best for me next year. It's not looking bad. But I really have to wait and see."

Despite the new engine deal and official confirmation last weekend that the team will be on the grid in Melbourne next March, there remains widespread speculation that there will be changes within the Silverstone outfit over the off-season, with some insiders convinced that F3000 team boss Christian Horner (Arden International) could be buying into the team, with its charismatic founder, Eddie Jordan, being slowly phased out.

Should Horner buy into the team, this would probably have a major impact on which drivers line up in the cars next March.

That said, Briscoe remains hopeful: "I've been around Formula One a lot this year, and until a deal is finally done then anything can happen," said the Australian. "I think I've got the experience. You've got to start racing at some point."

In 2004, his on-track activity was limited to his role a test driver with Toyota, though he also had a number of outings in the Friday practice sessions.

"It was great experience," admits Briscoe. "I think the end result for me was really good. I know that a lot of people have called up and complimented me on how it all went. My times were always good when I didn't have problems with the car or tyres."

With testing set to resume this week, Briscoe is hoping that his 2005 plans will be resolved by Christmas.

"I'm coming home straight after the Toyota Christmas party in Cologne in Germany on December 17," he said. "I'm pretty sure it will be sorted by then."