Motor Racing: Boutsen joining Jordan

THIERRY BOUTSEN, the 35- year-old Belgian driver, has joined Jordan-Hart for the rest of the Formula One season. He makes his debut in Sunday's Grand Prix of Europe, at Donington Park, writes Derick Allsop.

Boutsen, who takes over from the dismissed Ivan Capelli, had been among the original candidates for the job after parting company with Ligier-Renault. The team-owner, Eddie Jordan, believes the experience of Boutsen - he has made 153 grand prix appearances and had three victories with Williams - will complement the fledgling talent of the 20-year-old Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello.

Jordan said: 'Thierry is a very professional driver. In fact, we raced against each other in the 1979 European Formula Three championship.' Boutsen said: 'I well remember a tangle we had and I still say Eddie cost me that championship. I am looking forward to having that competitiveness on my side.'

Mika Hakkinen, McLaren- Ford's so far redundant driver, had been tipped for the job. Yesterday's announcement could indicate McLaren are still unsure of Ayrton Senna's intentions - even though the Brazilian will race for them at Donington - and are not in a position to release the Finn.