Hugh
02-08-2002, 12:04
Heinz-Harald Frentzen has quit Arrows due to "uncertainty" surrounding the future of the cash-strapped Formula One team.
The German driver has become frustrated at the Leafield-based team, which is having ownership talks, and has asked to be released from his contract.
"Heinz told us that due to the uncertainty at Arrows, he wished to stand down and we did not want to stand in his way," said team principal Tom Walkinshaw.
"I'd like to wish him all the best and thank him for the hard work he put in at Arrows."
Frentzen reciprocated his appreciation for the team he joined in 2001.
"I'd like to thank Arrows for the 12 races I have had with them," he said.
"The team definitely has real potential so I hope they can sort their problems out and realise their goals. I wish every one of them all the best for the future."
There has been speculation linking Frentzen with a return to Jordan.
The 35-year-old's former team approached him to drive one of their cars in France as a replacement for the injured Giancarlo Fisichella.
But, although Arrows had failed to qualify at Magny Cours, Frentzen turned down that offer for legal reasons.
His replacement at Arrows will be named before the Hungarian Grand Prix on 18 August.
The German driver has become frustrated at the Leafield-based team, which is having ownership talks, and has asked to be released from his contract.
"Heinz told us that due to the uncertainty at Arrows, he wished to stand down and we did not want to stand in his way," said team principal Tom Walkinshaw.
"I'd like to wish him all the best and thank him for the hard work he put in at Arrows."
Frentzen reciprocated his appreciation for the team he joined in 2001.
"I'd like to thank Arrows for the 12 races I have had with them," he said.
"The team definitely has real potential so I hope they can sort their problems out and realise their goals. I wish every one of them all the best for the future."
There has been speculation linking Frentzen with a return to Jordan.
The 35-year-old's former team approached him to drive one of their cars in France as a replacement for the injured Giancarlo Fisichella.
But, although Arrows had failed to qualify at Magny Cours, Frentzen turned down that offer for legal reasons.
His replacement at Arrows will be named before the Hungarian Grand Prix on 18 August.