The Jordan F1 team is suing Vodafone to the tune of £150million, stating that the company had agreed to sponsor the Jordan team but at the last minute signed a deal with rival team Ferrari.
Jordan, whose existing primary sponsorship deal with Benson & Hedges cannot be renewed in light of the upcoming ban on tobacco sponsors, has been struggling to attract a new partner following Vodafone's decision to go with Ferrari in a deal reputed to be worth £110m.
A spokesman for Vodafone stated: "We did have discussions with Jordan and a number of other teams in 2001 about potential sponsorship deals. However, we believe, and we have been advised by leading counsel, that the claim is wholly without merit and therefore we will vigourously defend our position."
The case is expected to be heard within the next few weeks.
The Jordan Formula One team is bringing legal proceedings against Vodafone, claiming that the mobile phone company reneged on an agreed sponsorship deal.
