Formula One motor racing team owner and north Oxford resident Eddie Jordan is suing Vodafone for £93m for allegedly breaching a sponsorship deal.

Mr Jordan's barrister told the High Court earlier this week (beginning June 16) that the telecoms company had signed up with rival team Ferrari after telling Mr Jordan in March 2001: "You've got a deal."

Vodafone strongly contests the allegations of Jordan Grand Prix Racing, based in Silverstone.

The team still finds itself without a title sponsor -- one whose name is incorporated into the name of the team. But it has several backers, including tobacco company Benson and Hedges, office equipment firm Brother, and tyre manufacturer Bridgestone.

A spokesman for the team said: "I think it is too late in the season to find a title sponsor now but of course we would be delighted to find one in the long term."

There are now five Formula One teams which receive sponsorship from tobacco companies, although a ban agreed with the World Health Organisation will come into force in 2006.