The Jordan Formula One team today sidestepped media speculation that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was interested in buying the team and had held secret meetings with Eddie Jordan.
British newspapers reported that the team boss and Abramovich had met four times in the past month but a Jordan spokeswoman confirmed only that the two had met last year at a grand prix and a soccer match.
Jordan are the only team with no confirmed drivers for the new season - starting in Australia in March - and are waiting for sponsorship deals to slot into place before making any announcement about their lineup.
The team finished a dismal ninth overall last year despite winning a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix with Italian Giancarlo Fisichella.
Abramovich, who bought premier league club Chelsea last year, attended the European Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring in June as a guest of Bernie Ecclestone.