Frentzen makes podium for Jordan

"It's nice to be back on the podium at last," said Frentzen. "We have missed out on quite a few points finishes so it is great that it has finally come good here. This is a great result for us."

Frentzen kept his head while under pressure from a determined Villeneuve. In contrast, Jordan team mate Jarno Trulli had a disappointing race, retiring on lap 13 after running as high as fifth on the opening lap.

"We have been struggling all year with our car," continued Frentzen, "and had many chances to finish on the podium and not managed it, so I am glad we made it today. This gives us another big boost and more motivation. Brazil does not count."

Frentzen was promoted to third in the standings at Sao Paulo after David Coulthard was disqualified from the results due to the front wing on the Scot's McLaren-Mercedes being too low.

"I didn't really have time to enjoy this race because I was flat out all the time, fighting for every tenth. It was a really hard race today. The car was set-up for the straights and I was struggling a bit on the infield.

"Right at the end I had Jacques trying to take third from me. He overtook me on the first corner once but he was being too optimistic. He just went for it. It was an all-or-nothing move and he had no chance to make the corner. He spun and I thought I had space for the rest of the race but he caught me up and we went at it again."

The four points promote Frentzen up a place in the championship to eighth above Jenson Button who retired with engine problems.