We Can be Champions, Admits Frentzen

Heniz Harald Frentzen has predicted that Jordan will return to their 1999 form this season and he believes they can compete on par with McLaren and Ferrari.

Jordan failed to impress last year as they finished sixth in the constructors' championship, but speaking at their launch of their new EJ11 car, the German driver said that the new Honda engines will help restore the team to third position behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Frentzen said: "The engines should be much better and so will I hope the reliability. And a lot of work has been done in the wind tunnel, too.

"Of course, we all want the car to go faster, but that is the same for everyone. As far as my goals are concerned I really want to pick up and start again from where we were at the end of 1999 and to wipe out last season.

"Our performance in 2000 was one to forget. I can see no good reason why we cannot be successful."

Frentzen also revealed that he turned down a number of approaches from other teams to stay with the Silverstone-based outfit.

The German added: "A lot of teams wanted to talk to me last year but I feel this is the team of the future and I wanted to stay here.

"I believe in the people here and Honda too. I know we have worked hard to improve the car in all areas, but of course I cant say what it will be like just yet."