Ex Jordan driver signs for Sauber

Swiss Miss(ter)
By Phil Giles
August 27 2002

Ex Jordan driver Heinz Harald Frentzen has decided on his race seat for 2003 and has signed for the team who gave him his big break in 1994. Sauber gave Frentzen a three year deal back then. This time, Peter Sauber has been persuaded to part with just a years contract.

Jordan it appears were keen to sign Frentzen in what would have been seen as a remarkable F1 turn around.  In reality, Jordan are keen to appease sponsors DHL who are after a German driver to fit in with their Marketing plans.  There is also the matter of a £5 million court case that his management team are pursuing.

So, the question is if Takuma Sato is to be dropped by EJ in favour of a new driver, if it can't be Frentzen, who will it be.  Giancarlo's position in the team appears safe so it's either a German Driver or a Brit to take Sato's seat.  Anthony Davidson has impressed driving for Minardi at Hungary and has a huge amount of testing mileage at BAR.  He has to be a good bet, knowing Eddie's eye for a talented rookie.  However, after earlier experiences this year, it wouldn't surprise if Eddie goes for a mature experienced driver and my favourite for the seat is Olivier Panis.

All this however is conjecture.  Takuma has a contract for next year and although Contracts seem to count for very little in F1 these days, Taku should stay.