Frentzen joins Prost for remainder of '01

Frentzen was sacked by Jordan on the eve of his home race, the German Grand Prix, and has maintained a relatively low profile since. In the immediate aftermath of his dismissal, the three-time GP winner had been linked to Jaguar Racing and the fledgling Toyota team, but will instead make his Prost debut at the Hungarian GP on August 19.

"I am happy that Alain Prost offered me the drive for the last five Grands Prix," said Frentzen. "It was very difficult to turn down the opportunity to tackle this new challenge and I am looking forward to supporting the team for the rest of the season."

Team principal Alain Prost, who released Alesi from his contract on Monday, added: "I am delighted to welcome Heinz-Harald Frentzen in our team.

"His achievements in the last few years place him among the best drivers, and his large experience within F1 will be a strong asset for us for the remainder of the 2001 season. His arrival allows us to prepare the team's future with confidence."

With F1 currently on its summer break, including a ban on testing, Frentzen's first taste of the Prost AP04, its Acer-badged Ferrari engine and its Michelin tyres will come in free practice for the Hungarian race.

Frentzen, who finished third overall in the 1999 F1 drivers' standings with Jordan, has also driven for Sauber and Williams in a GP career that began in 1994. After his non-appearance at the German GP, he remains 11th overall in the 2001 standings, with six points.