rpm.espn.com: Users: Frentzen still has something left

ESPN Network: ESPN.com \| RPM \| NBA.com \| NHL.com \| ESPNdeportes \| ABCSports \| WNBA.com \| FANTASY

Thursday, December 27
Users: Frentzen still has something left
ESPN.com

Here's what users had to say about Heinz-Harald Frentzen, his past season and his future prospects:

No one really knows why he was sacked in the first place except for Jordan. HH is an great talent, when he moved to Prost he put that woefully underpowered car 4th on the grid at Spa -- not the easiest feat! I think Arrows is the best of what is left. Toyota may have been ideal, but they, like others had strict contracts. We have seen what Jos was able to do in an Arrows last year, I wouldn't be surprised if HH suprises many, many people. Just a shame if they boot Jos, however, due to Bernoldi's Red Bull money. If Arrows' price is really only $680,000 or so, they are getting the steal of a lifetime. Even if they did have to buy out Jos's contract for $1 million. Also, HH is making a wise move keeping it to a year, if he produces points, there are some big name contracts up and slots opening in 2003 ... we'll have to see.

Toby F.
Seattle, Wash.

Is it me, or does anyone else feel like they've never gotten the whole story behind the Frentzen-Jordan fiasco? It appeared as if HH had elevated himself to the level of F1 superstar and just as he was about to dig his heels in, Eddie Jordan kicks him off the mountain for no apparent reason. He obviously has the talent and the resumé, but something is certainly amiss. Frentzen at ARROWS?! All I can say is "good luck." If he takes that ride, he's done.

Steve Averett
Charlotte, N.C.

I know last year, Eddie Jordan and Heinz-Harald Frentzen did not get along very well, but I don't think dumping him halfway through the season was the best thing to do. Frentzen's talent has slipped a bit though, I'll admit. Arrows looks to be as good as it will get for him now, Prost won't have a team it appears for next season, and certainly a driver as good as Heinz-Harald would not spend his time at Minardi, either.

Matt Embury
Dayton, Ohio

It looks like Frentzen will be driving for Arrows, but he is probably better off there than at Prost or Minardi. Arrows has a shot at being competitive this year, as they will for the first time have a current engine from Ford. I think Frentzen has a lot in him and will show it if given the package to do so.

Bruce Densford
Grand Prairie, Texas

I believe HHF is still a solid driver. Is it a coincidence the Prost Acer suddenly looked decent (rather than horrid) when he took the seat? I also think Arrows has a chance to move up the grid next season. Tom Walkinshaw's ability to cut a deal for Cosworth engines may signal a resurgence. He also hired the man who designed Sauber's 2001 car. Just as Sauber improved dramatically in 2001 with its Ferrari engine deal, Arrows may become a threat for "best of the rest" honors in 2002 -- after Ferrari, McLaren and Williams. Securing HHF would make that a greater possiblity.

John Keith
Greenwood, Ind.

Frentzen doesn't need to "find" a ride, but he has a difficult choice to make. The problem at Jordan was they designed the car around the ragged but undoubtably quick qualifying of Jarno Trulli -- explaining Frentzen's difficulties in adapting the car to his smooth, consistent style and Trulli's poor race performance compared with his flying laps. Frentzen will impress again in 2002. He's had setbacks throughout his career and invariably comes back better and more determined the following year. He's at his best when the odds are stacked against him, and he'll impress enough in an Arrows or a Minardi to get a better drive in which to end his F1 career. If Prost can survive, keep HHF, and continue to develop things around him then the better drive will come from an improving Prost.

tzali
England

HHF was a casuality of Eddie Jordan and his need for money to continue in F1. He is a very capable driver, but his time may have passed. He could still deliver in a good team, but what is a good team these days? McLaren, Ferrari or Williams. After that why waste money on someone like HHF? Just get a young guy with a sponsor. So sorry HHF, it's probably over.

Tony Dowe
Buford, Ga.

It is impossible to know if he was wronged at Jordan or not because the full story has never been revealed. Whether he deserves a good job or not is irrelevant because there aren't any good jobs left for 2002. His time may or may not have passed, but F1 teams are now looking for 20-21 year old hot shoes with lots of natural ability and very little, if no experience.

Rick Dudley
Seattle, Wash.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

	Driver Spotlight: Heinz-Harald Frentzen F1 off-season driver spotlight index