Frentzen and Trulli Willing to Banish 2000 Memories

Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli are desperate to drive Jordan back to the forefront of Formula One after an indifferent 2000 season.

Both drivers are keen to improve results this year, starting with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

"In some ways, it was catastrophic last year," said Frentzen. "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."

Both drivers were often hindered by a repetitive gearbox problem for many races last year and Trulli is also keen to have a solid 2001 season.

"Last year was the most disappointing experience of my career," said Trulli. "I hope the worst is now over. I was very confident, but it didn't work out."

Jordan have been boosted over the winter by signing a 'works' deal with Honda for new engines to replace the Mugen-Honda power units and Frentzen is optimistic it will make a difference.

Frentzen added: "When the Honda deal came through it boosted our morale and technical support. The engine should be much better and so I hope the reliability."

The Silverstone-based team have also seen a lot of backroom changes over the winter, with the most notable being the appointment of Eghbal Hamidy as technical director in place of the departed Mike Gascoyne, who joined Benetton.

Team boss Eddie Jordan has said in British media reports that he would love to beat Gascoyne and Benetton this season and with a strong staff behind him that will help.

David Brown is Frentzen's new senior race engineer, supported by Dominic Harlow. Gabriele Delli Colli is the new senior race engineer for Trulli and will be helped by the experienced James Key.

Phil Spencer has moved from chief mechanic with the test team to the same role with the race team to replace Tim Edwards, who is now test team manager.