Jordan says Frentzen will see out contract

Speculation has spiralled out of control that the ex-Williams driver has a 24-hour option on Monday and will use it to sign a big money move to the Japanese car giant who are making their debut in 2002.

However, Jordan said: "There seems to be a lot of talk in the media about Heinz's contract. Heinz signed a two-year contract with us last year which means he will race with Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda, as always agreed, in 2002."

Frentzen himself hinted that he'll be staying with the Silverstone-based team, but said his contract prevents him talking about his future with the team.

"It could be that there will be something soon, but I am not allowed to speak about it," he said. "It is in my contract. If I speak it could be very negative. What I can say is that I have worked with Jordan through good times and bad times and that I will go through the bad times until we are successful again."

"At the moment we are having a down. We have lost a few races because we had problems with launch control and we are responsible for that," he added. "We had some difficulties in Monaco and Canada, but there will be better times again and bad times only show how motivated we are. The team is motivated. I am motivated and we want to do our best for the rest of the season."

After qualifying eighth for Sunday's European Grand Prix, the German said it was probably the best the team could hope for.

"I am surprised to be eighth on the grid because I just came here trying to be fit. I really didn't know how fast I could be. Eighth is a respectable position, particularly because I am behind the front-runners. The car's balance was very good and its handling strong and consistent, so I am looking forward to the race. We are well placed to score points tomorrow."