Schumacher brothers criticise Jordan

The reigning World Champion lambasted the British team for not sticking with their most successful driver despite an increasingly difficult season. Frentzen, who won races for Jordan in France and Italy in 1999, was dramatically fired on Wednesday after a heated row that followed a series of lacklustre performances.

"I feel very sorry for Heinz-Harald," said Michael Schumacher shortly after he arrived at Hockenheim for the 12th round of the World Championship. "It is a bit of a shame because they had a good time together in 1999, which means Heinz-Harald cannot be too bad as a driver.

"But when times are difficult you should stick by your driver. Certainly, I'm not very happy seeing what has happened to Heinz-Harald, but he might get a better opportunity now," he added.

Ralf Schumacher, meanwhile, turned on Eddie Jordan - the man who gave him his Grand Prix break in 1997 - revealing he had troubles of his own in his two seasons as a Jordan driver.

"I have had problems with this team," said Ralf. "It appears to happen sometimes that there are problems. But if people don't work well together anymore it is better to stop working with each other.

"On the other side, to be fair to Eddie, he has big pressure on him, with big sponsors backing him and has to prove he is a reasonable team to stay with. He is under pressure to deliver so one has to understand his decisions as well.

"I've heard rumours that Heinz-Harald is going to be with us again next year with a different team. If that I the case I am sure it is a better option for him anyway," added Ralf.

Frentzen is tipped to be snapped up by Toyota next season, but a spokesman for the Japanese marque commented: "We are not in negotiations with Heinz-Harald Frentzen or any of the current drivers."