1999 Driver Profiles by Julie Gates

Team: Jordan

by Julie Gates

The Team: This season has been one of sheer joy for the Jordan Grand Prix team. Despite Damon Hill's appalling season, Heinz-Harold Frentzen has taken the team to limits that once seemed a light-year away. Finishing third in the Constructors' Championship, they suffered only two mechanical failures over the second half of the season. The team has constantly battled for points finishes and won pole position at both the Luxembourg and the Italian Grand Prix. Qualifying has gone well for the team, often seeing both cars in the top ten, with Frentzen frequently in the top five. The whole year has seen the team go from strength-to-strength; working in unison with Mugen-Honda, they achieved something many thought they couldn't. Coping with the uncertainty of Damon Hill and his retirement, the team performed remarkable to claim third in the championship. Could have scored more points had Hill been on form, but nonetheless, they would not have bettered third place and have more than met their expectations for 1999.

Driver - Damon Hill: It is fair to say the Englishman's performance didn't really improve too much from one half of the season to the other. After his emotional race at Silverstone, where he even managed to lead a lap, he seemed confident of turning things around, it wasn't to be. Regularly out-qualified by his team mate, his best finish during the latter half of the season came at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Qualifying sixth, he ended the race fourth, setting the fastest second sector time along the way. However, this result was dampened somewhat by a shabby performance at the German Grand Prix. Claiming the car unfit to drive, many believe he simply retired his car to the pits as he felt like it: a shadow of his former world champion self. He suffered two mechanical failures, but has retired twice of his own accord, taking the tally to four retirements of eight outings. He has suffered some bad luck, but nonetheless, performances have been well below what many expected. He has been off the pace and seems to have lost the spark that racers need to find that extra tenth of a second. Ending his career on a low, we have to remember the good old days and the joy he brought to many fans on winning the 1996 World Championship.

Driver - Heinz-Harald Frentzen: Well, what is there to say about this German? Kicked out by Williams in 1998, he now demonstrates the speed and skill that impressed at Sauber, years ago. He has been a revelation this season, winning two races, qualifying on the front row of the grid three times with a pole position and almost the only reason for the team's third place. He has proved irreplaceable for the Silverstone-based team. In line to win the European Grand Prix, he retired with electrical failure, ruining the glimmer of hope for the Driver's title. He has not made one driver error whilst racing all season, and proved as consistent and reliable as his J199. There is little to say; he performed ahead of all expectations, demonstrating that he really does have what it takes to win. A truly remarkable turnaround, he is set for big things in 2000.

Conclusion: Overall, the team has risen to levels few thought they could manage. Winning two races, a pole position and claiming third in the Constructors' Championship, they look set to challenge for the title over the next two years. Supporting Damon Hill all the way and bringing out the best of Harry Heinz, EJ proves why he is considered one of the best managers in the sport.

Grade: B+