The 21-year-old German Formula Three champion is battling for the seat with another Britain, Ralph Firman, and Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Eddie Irvine, previously seen as a contender, dropped out of the reckoning when the 37-year-old said he would not be racing this year.

A spokesman for Massa said on Thursday that the former Sauber driver had already agreed terms with Jordan, but the team insisted they were still talking to several drivers.

Jordan have the last remaining seat on the F1 grid having released Japanese Takuma Sato.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella is their lead driver.

The choice will depend ultimately on the driver bringing sponsorship to the team.

Paffett has underlined his potential with impressive test stints for McLaren this winter.

Two weeks ago he was two tenths of a second faster than Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya during a test session at Valencia.

Felpie Massa is also being considered by Jordan

"I am ready for Formula One, as a test driver or even as a race driver," Paffett told the Sunday Mirror.

"Testing with McLaren has reinforced my confidence. Anybody looking at my times will realise that I have been going quickly.

"I feel very comfortable in the car and in the Formula One environment.

"It was my plan to try to get a test drive this year, with a view to racing next year, and I would still be happy with that kind of arrangement.

"But if I had the chance to race for a team this year, it would be very difficult to turn down.

"Whether it's racing or testing, I'm very hopeful I'll be with a Formula One team this year."