Heinz-Harald Frentzen has revealed he was sacked by team boss Eddie Jordan last week via fax. Frentzen's contract, which still had another 18 months to run, was terminated with immediate effect just days ahead of his home grand prix in Germany at Hockenheim.
Jordan claimed Frentzen was fired due to a difference of opinion regarding the direction of the team, with the two men no longer seeing eye to eye and with the situation coming to a head following the British Grand Prix. Despite conceding Frentzen is one of the nicest guys in Formula One, Jordan felt he had to act for the long-term future of the team, which has suffered a dismal season this year - picking up just 15 points from the 12 races.
But Frentzen admits he had no idea Jordan was going to give him the bullet - and was even more stunned when he received the news on his fax machine last Wednesday.
The controversial matter is now in the hands of Frentzen's lawyers, with the 34-year-old understood to be demanding £13million in compensation for loss of earnings, damage to his reputation and emotional distress.
"The notice simply appeared from the machine, I was completely baffled," said Frentzen. "No discussion, nothing. Simply this fax and then it was all in the hands of the lawyers. I admit we (with Jordan) had a discussion after the race at Silverstone and had a difference of opinion, but there was no row."
Frentzen has been linked strongly linked with a move to Toyota, who are due to enter Formula One next season, although team boss Ove Andersson confirmed in Germany Allan McNish is set to partner Mika Salo. McNish, though, has yet to be given a contract and so speculation continues to surround Frentzen joining up with the Japanese car giants.
Frentzen denies there has been any contact with Toyota, but concedes even if that is a route which is not open to him, he is determined to return to Formula One.
Speaking in German newspaper Bild, Frentzen added: "I have not negotiated with Toyota or signed a contract or anything. But the fire still burns inside me and I will remain in international motorsport, with my first priority being Formula One."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
