BAR release Davidson for Jordan test.

BAR has announced that it will release Anthony Davidson from his testing duties with the team to allow the Brit to take part in a one day test with Jordan at Silverstone on 13 September.

With BAR having signed Rubens Barrichello for 2006 and having already made it clear that they want to retain Jenson Button to partner the Brazilian, Davidson could find himself stuck in a testing role again in 2006 unless Button switches to Williams, in which case a race seat would available.

However with the team in no position to let Davidson know if a race seat is a possibility, they have given him permission to test for Jordan with a view to possibly racing for the Silverstone based team next season.

"Anthony has done a fantastic job for us during the five years that he has been part of our driver line-up and his contribution to the development of our team has been immeasurable," BAR sporting director Gil De Ferran said. "BAR Honda's 2006 driver line-up is not yet concluded so we are unable to confirm whether or not we will be in a position to help Anthony to achieve his ultimate ambition of a race seat. With that in mind, we decided to allow him to participate in this test and we wish him well for next week."

Davidson himself was also full of thanks for being allowed to miss the BAR test at Barcelona to work on furthering his F1 education.

"I'm really looking forward to testing with the Jordan team at Silverstone next week and the EJ15 will certainly be an exciting new challenge," he said. "I haven't driven at Silverstone for almost a year so it will be good to be back driving on my home track again.

"This test shows how serious I am about finding a race drive for next year and I would like to thank BAR Honda for allowing me to stand down from the team's Barcelona test and take up this opportunity. I'm hoping it will be a very positive experience for myself and the Jordan team."

Jordan managing director Colin Kolles said he was delighted to give Davidson the chance to showcase his talents behind the wheel of the Jordan as the team evaluates potential drivers for the 2006 season.

"Davidson has proved himself to be quick and outstandingly talented in junior Formulae and as an official third
driver for BAR Honda," he said. "He definitely deserves an opportunity to race in Formula One.

"Jordan Grand Prix is therefore very happy to give him the opportunity to test the Jordan at Silverstone on 13 September. We're looking forward to working with Anthony during the test and to continuing discussions regarding a longer-term role into Midland's entry into the 2006 Formula One World Championship."