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Formula One




Tuesday, January 7
Updated: January 14, 3:43 PM ET
Spotlight
Heinz-Harald Frentzen
By Dan Knutson
ESPN.com

Team: Arrows (2002)/Sauber (2003)
Nationality: German

Heinz-Harald Frentzen
Frentzen

STATS
Year
Rank
Wins
Poles
Podium
Best finish
2002 18 0 0 0 6th, Twice
Career   3 2 15 1st, 3 times

2002 Recap
The Good: Chief designer Sergio Rinland produced an excellent car that, once a few bugs had been sorted out, turned out to be one of the best Arrows in years. The car took Frentzen to sixth-place finishes in Spain and Monaco. Power was no problem thanks to Ford Cosworth. One of the oldest drivers in the series, Frentzen used his technical skill to get the best out of the car.

  • Season Highlight: Frentzen scored a pair of sixth-place runs, at Spain and Monaco.

    The Bad: Lots and lots of bad. Lack of funds meant that Arrows did very little testing and even very little racing. In the latter half of the season the Arrows drivers deliberately failed to qualify France, and the team didn't even show up for the final five races. Team owner Tom Walkinshaw remains embroiled in various legal wrangles, including one with Frentzen who is seeking back pay.

    Heinz-Harald Frentzen

    Key Stat: Red ink. The lack of money hampered the team from preseason testing onwards and eventually caused its demise.

    2003 Outlook
    What needs to be done: Frentzen can leave the Arrows mess behind as he joins Sauber this season. Sauber leases one-year old Ferrari engines, and having the superb 2002 Ferrari V10 will be a real asset for the team in 2003. Now Sauber has to make sure its chassis is up to the task. Frentzen has to make sure he doesn't get out-psyched by teammate and hot shoe Nick Heidfeld. The team needs more sponsorship to compete against the factory-backed teams.

    Prediction: Despite being with a privately-owed team, Frentzen will score a nice handful of points in 2003 with Sauber.

    Your Take
    Here are your thoughts on Frentzen's prospects with Sauber for the 2003 season.

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