Frentzen: New regulations won't herald a new order

Contrary to popular opinion that the new rules might level the playing field, in downforce terms at least, the 33-year-old German reckons it will be the same two teams who will take the initiative when the season kicks off in Melbourne, Australia, on March 4.

"My opinion is that they will be able to find the edges and holes of the regulations quicker than most teams," he said. "They are the most experienced with aerodynamics, they have the best wind tunnels and McLaren also has Adrian Newey. That's why I believe McLaren and Ferrari will initially be stronger than average - it's because they have the most resources in Formula 1.

From our point of view, we have spent far more time in the wind tunnel than in Jordan's history. We have put a lot of effort into this part of the new car, so hopefully we will be right there from the beginning of the season too."

Frentzen said he thinks the expanding Jordan team is going the right way about challenging the F1 pacesetters.

"From my experience in F1 with Sauber, Williams and Jordan I've come to realise that it's not only important to have a big budget and the best wind tunnel, you need good people," he added. "Jordan is a team which is taking steps forward and getting better each year, and hopefully our deal with Honda will attract more professional and experienced people."

The 1997 World Championship runner-up believes the Silverstone-based team can turn around its fortunes and return to its Grand Prix-winning ways of 1998 and '99. From a personal point of view, he feels better than ever as he bids to add to his tally of three GP wins.

"I'm at the highest performance level of my career," he said. "I think I'm in good shape for this year. After such a catastrophic season last year, Jordan has a big boost from a confidence and morale point of view with Honda coming on board. That's not only giving me a big horsepower shove in the back and a lot of technical support, but they want to win races too. That gives me a big mental boost too. The pressure, which comes with their arrival, is all positive. This is one of the big chances in my career to be successful and win more races."