Jordan team realises third place dream

Both scored their biggest total of points ever as the popular Irish team ended the century as the surprise package of 1999.

Frentzen, who 18 months earlier had been ditched by Williams as a no-hoper, won two grands prix and finished in the points in 12 of the 16 races, crowning it with fourth place in Suzuka as his only rival David Coulthard drove into retirement with gearbox problems.

Frentzen scored 54 of Jordan's record 61 total. Damon Hill the other seven.

'It is great to finish this way,' he said. 'We achieved the team and driver objectives. I am not even disappointed to have missed out on the podium because we have had plenty of those this season, two wins and plenty to be proud of.'

His rising fortunes - including his recent marriage to wife Tanja who is pregnant - are in stark contrast to those of his team-mate Damon Hill who pulled out of the race, saying:
'I never want to do another grand prix again.'

Team boss Eddie Jordan said 'Yet another perfect performance by Heinz-Harald. We realised our dream this year.

'Hopefully this will be the year I remember as the one that gave us the confidence to make a serious breakthrough to take on the world championship.'

'Our commiserations to Eddie [Irvine], who we feel very close to at Jordan, but it was a stylish win by Mika [Hakkinen] at the last hurdle.'