Malaysian GP Jordan race notes

Jordan Grand Prix had a disappointing end to the season when Heinz-Harald Frentzen was an early retirement and Jarno Trulli finished 12th, one lap down after a two unscheduled pit stops. Trulli's troubles began on the first lap when he touched Eddie Irvine's Jaguar and had to make a stop to change the front wing. Jarno continued at the back of the field before stopping at the end of lap ten to change a rear tyre which had a slow puncture.

'The team took the opportunity to fill the car with fuel,' said Trulli. 'It was very hard to drive after that - I think the car may have suffered more damage than I first thought in that earlier incident - and I had problems with the tyre pressures. It was obviously a disappointing way to finish the season and it was really sad to hear that Johnny Herbert's last race ended with an accident. It's good to hear he's not badly hurt and I look forward to seeing him soon back in Monaco. I think everyone is ready for a break after such a long and hard season but, despite these disappointments, I can't wait to start all over again in 2001!'

Frentzen was running in eighth place when he left the road twice on lap five. An electrical connection broke and affected the car's systems, including the hydraulics and the power steering. After two visits to the pits, Frentzen was unable to continue.

'It's best to put the season down to experience and everything into next year and a new relationship with Honda,' said Heinz-Harald. 'I feel optimistic because I know the team has the capability and the experience to put Jordan Grand Prix back on the podium, where we belong.'

Eddie Jordan said it was not the way he had hoped to end the season. '2000 has been an incredibly tough season, especially coming on the back of the successes of last year,' said Jordan. 'Arguably, though, we have learnt more this year than last, and the disappointments have made us more determined than ever to be back winning races. Our new partnership with Honda will play a key part in achieving this goal. I would like to thank Mugen-Honda for the two years we have enjoyed with them - they have been fantastic. Heinz and Jarno have done a good job under difficult circumstances, and I know that they are really looking forward to 2001.'