Abramovich denies interest in Jordan

The owner of Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich, has denied reports that he is planning to buy his way into Formula One with the Jordan team.

The Russian billionaire has been linked with the Silverstone-based outfit, having met with the team chief, Eddie Jordan, a football enthusiast, and the owner of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone.

But his spokesman, John Mann, said: "There is nothing in this. At the moment Roman is being linked with bids to buy anything from a shopping centre to another football team.

"When anything is up for sale his name is being connected with it. It is true that Roman has met Eddie several times - but that's it. Roman has also met with Bernie Ecclestone, but that doesn't mean he is going to buy his house."

Jordan, who is yet to announce his driver line-up for the 2004 season, has made no secret of the fact he is looking for financial backers.

* Renault have appointed Robert White as their technical director. White, formerly the chief engineer at Cosworth, took control of technical activities at Renault's French base at Viry-Châtillon on 1 January.