Jean Alesi and Heinz-Harald Frentzen traded Formula One places today as the veteran French star signed up for Jordan at the same time as the German driver moved in the opposite direction to Prost. Both drivers will make their debuts in the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 19th and the move will see Alesi join forces with Eddie Jordan again following their success in the F3000 grade in 1989.
37-year-old Alesi had become disillusioned with his career at the French team and had reportedly told team boss Alain Prost that he wanted to leave after the German Grand Prix last month. It was on the eve of the race at Hockenheim that Frentzen had been sacked by the Silverstone based Jordan team.
A delighted Alesi insisted: "I am overjoyed by this development in my career. Eddie launched me into Formula One, so to return to race for him after all this time is something very special. Although I will not be able to test the car before the next race in Hungary, I feel so motivated that I don't believe that this will be a problem. I am very excited."
Eddie Jordan also voiced his satisfaction of securing the services of Alesi. The Dubliner stressed: "His experience will be invaluable, but equally important will be his energy and enthusiasm. He is a great motivator and will drive the Jordan-Honda with real fire in his belly. With Jean alongside Jarno (Trulli), Jordan now has a charismatic and vibrant pairing which we hope will be transferred into powerful results on the track."
Ricardo Zonta, who replaced Frentzen at Hockenheim, will return to his testing duties at Jordan.
Filed by Shane Murray
