Jordan aims to take on the McLarens

Heinz-Harald Frentzen went looking for revenge after having pole snatched away in the German Grand Prix and partially got his wish when he split the two Silver Arrows by taking second place.

Now Jordan reckons his German racer can go one better in the gruelling 53 lap race which crippled both McLarens into submission this time last year.

'We are going to take the fight to the McLarens and I reckon we can win it,' said the Irishman.

'If we give him the right car he is a championship contender.

'To beat the McLarens in a straight fight is a daunting prospect but I have always been an optimist, if anyone can take the fight to them I hope it is us.

'Heinz-Harald has to be mentally prepared to give it a big, big fight. We are better prepared as a team thn we were at Hockenheim.

'We are not going to lie down and take it from the McLaren team no matter how good they are. We are going to frighten them.'

Damon Hill was a lowly ninth. 'I'm disappointed with my qualifying performance. I did not get the best out of the car. I lost one run to yellow flags and then tried too hard in my last run.

'But at least I tried and there is always the race and the chance to earn points.'

Hill did little for his cause as rumours continue to circulate that he could retire early if Jordan accumulate enough points to tie up third place in the championship.