Jordan: There was no row with Heinz

The Jordan boss described the split as "short-term pain for long term gain". He said the sacking followed a discussion over the team's future hours after another disappointing performance at the British Grand Prix and Frentzen would not agree with his plans.

"There were a couple of things that I was unhappy about and I wanted to do various things and we couldn't agree," he said. "It hasn't been a great season. There have been all sorts of ups and downs. We talked about it a number of times but we particularly talked about it after Silverstone."

Jordan had hoped this year would mark a turnaround in their fortunes following the misery of 2000, but he denied there had been a row after the British Grand Prix.

"I don't think there was a row, there was a discussion," he said. "In fact, at no stage in two years could you ever say there has been a row because I have never heard his voice raised and I don't believe I have ever raised my voice to him. There was never any question of a row.

"It is very disappointing because you will never find an easier and nicer driver. It is also very disappointing to lose a friend in circumstances like this. Hopefully, time will mend a wound, but every so often people see it in different ways and this may not necessarily be the time to try and do that," he added.

Jordan started the season strongly, scoring points in all of the first five races, but its season has fallen away since the sixth round in Austria. Frentzen currently lies in 11th in the drivers' championship, with his best result this season being fourth, which was achieved back in March.

Jordan now faces mounting speculation as to who it will sign to replace Frentzen for the rest of this year and next.

Jenson Button is in the frame despite a Benetton contract which runs until the end of next year while BAR's Japanese test driver, 24-year-old Takuma Sato - currently dominating the British Formula Three Championship - would be popular with engine suppliers Honda.

For a full Eddie Jordan Q&A, click HERE.