Jordan has 'traded reliability for speed'

The Jordan star, who finished second in last year's season opener, led this time for seven laps and was challenging for second place when a hydraulic leak caused his retirement.

The German took the lead on lap 30 when eventual winner Michael Schumacher pitted and stayed in front until he was called in for his own pit-stop on lap 37.

That pit-stop was delayed by a jammed fuel nozzle but Frentzen's race ended two laps later with the leak which meant he couldn't change gear.

Team-mate Jarno Trulli was just as unfortunate, retiring on lap 35 with a broken exhaust pipe.

A disappointed Frentzen said: "I am gutted. I was in a strong position and could have finished on the podium for the second successive year.

"After my pit stop I had problems selecting gears. I drove on in one gear but it became impossible so I had to come in to the garage."

Trulli, filling the seat vacated by ex-world champion Damon Hill's retirement, was battling for third place when the broken exhaust caused his engine to fail.

The Italian said: "I made a very good start but a few laps after the Safety Car had left the track I had my problem with the exhaust."

However, team boss Eddie Jordan remained upbeat. "Today did not turn out how we wanted but it is clear we have the potential to have a very good season," he said.

"We have traded speed for reliability which is hurting us now, but we still have a lot to look forward to."