Jordan secures third in points standings

His incredible string of results continued as he battled from 14th on the grid to finish in the points for the eighth time in nine races.

The German crossed the line in sixth place but was promoted to fourth after the two Ferraris were excluded.

The result clinched third place in the constructors championship for Jordan, its highest finish in nine years of Formula One.

And it is also especially good news for Frentzen because it means David Coulthard must finish second or higher to wrestle third place in the driver's title from him at the last race in Japan in two weeks time.

He has 53 points - five more than the Scot on 48.

Frentzen said he had to sweat blood for the one point which multiplied to three in front of his eyes thanks to Ferrari's misfortune.

Before the Ferrari ban he said, 'Today's point was probably the hardest one I have scored in my Formula one career.

'It is a great result and I am very happy.

'The car just got better and I just kept pushing and pushing.

'It's fantastic that Jordan has secured third place in the championship - we've done it.'

Team boss Eddie Jordan added, 'This is probably one of the best points we have ever scored.'

Team-mate Damon Hill was knocked out of the race by Giancarlo Fisichella on the second bend.

'Damon was really unlucky and I don't doubt he would have been in the points had he not been shunted off on the first lap,' said Jordan.