Zonta excited, Frentzen hopeful
Ricardo Zonta said his shotgun debut for Jordan in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix will be tougher in some respects than first his Formula 1 race at the start of 1999
The Brazilian is stepping in at the last minute for the injured Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who pulled out suffering a recurrence of dizzy spells from a crash in Monaco a fortnight ago. The team was allowed to substitute Frentzen with Zonta under the sport's Sporting Code after applying to the race stewards.
Frentzen pulled out on Saturday morning so Zonta has had just two practice sessions to acquaint himself with the Montreal track before qualifying.
"I am sure it is a big disappointment for Heinz that he will not race," said Zonta. "I really do hope to do a good job for him and for the Jordan team.
"In many ways this is tougher than competing in your debut Grand Prix, but I must say I am excited about getting into the car to race again."
Zonta drove for BAR for two years alongside Jacques Villeneuve before joining Jordan as test driver this season.
Frentzen meanwhile said he is hopeful of being back in action for the European Grand Prix in a fortnight's time. "I'm disappointed not to be driving in the race this weekend, but wish the team and Ricardo all the best," he said. "And I look forward to being back in the driving seat at Nurburgring."
Jordan has not yet decided whether Frentzen will take part in testing at Silverstone in England next week.
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