Trulli an ‘exciting talent’ says Jordan

This afternoon the team announced that Trulli, currently with Prost, will be partnering Heinz-Harald Frentzen in 2000.

And with him aboard Jordan said there was no reason why the Irish team couldn't aim at winning the world title.

To no-one's great surprise Jordan said the team has a contract for 'at least' two years on the 25-year-old Italian.

'Jarno is one of the most exciting talents I have seen in a long time,' said Jordan.

'It has always stuck in my mind the way he led the Austrian Grand Prix and but for some technical problems he certainly would have the race, he was so strong mentally.

'That's not bad for someone in their first year of Formula One.'

And it was an inadvertant compliment from Hill that was stored in his team boss' mind.

'At Austria this year Damon said he had a better car than Jarno but that it was so difficult to pass him.

'Damon thought that being so young Jarno would make a mistake or he could pressure him into a mistake but he didn't. And that lodged clearly in my mind and was an extra endorsement because I had made my decision.'

Trulli partners French Grand Prix winner Heinz-Harald Frentzen who has already re-signed for a second season with the team.

'I am really looking forward to next year,' said Trulli.

'It is going to be hard work but I am looking forward to driving with Heinz-Harald who is not only a talented and fast driver but also a nice person.'

Jordan says his target for this year is concentrating on finishing third in the constructors' championship.

But could he do even better than that with Trulli aboard in the year 2000?

'Why not? At this moment in time some people would find that statement daunting.

'But only two years ago McLaren were fourth in the championship and they have risen like a colossus to become the team to beat. There is not reason at all why we can't attain that level of competition.'