Jordan wants to retain Narain Karthikeyan

Jordan has ruled out rumours about plans to drop the Indian rookie. More on Formula One

Ending speculation of a possible replacement, Jordan has ruled out that it was planning to drop India's star driver Narain Karthikeyan for Renault's test driver Franck Montagny of France.

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Colin Kolles, Jordan manager, said at most the Frenchman could be his team's third driver in the July 3 French Grand Prix at Magny Cours, making it clear that the combination of Karthikeyan and Tiago Monteiro would not be disturbed, at least for the time being.

"If he does (drive at Magny Cours), it will be as third driver only," media reports quoted Kolles as saying.

"It won't be easy to have Franck with us at French GP, but if he comes along it will be as third driver."

Kolles said that the team was happy with the performance of its drivers, particularly Monteiro.

"We are very happy with our drivers, mainly with Tiago who has done a great job in the last few races."

He also dismissed that the team was interested in signing Canadian driver Andrew Ranger with whom Jordan owner Alex Shnaider had a meeting recently.

"It's too soon to talk about drivers for next year. So all the names being mentioned are just rumours.

"We spoke to Andrew because he came to the team during the Canadian Grand Prix and introduced."

He also said that Jordan-Midland will not ink a 2006 engine deal with Mercedes-Benz.

"I can assure you that we will not have a German engine.