Race hots up for Jordan seat

Frentzen's last drive for Jordan was at the British GP

Ricardo Zonta and Formula Three racer Takuma Sato have emerged as the early front-runners to be the long-term replacement for sacked Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

The German's contract was terminated with immediate effect by team boss Eddie Jordan on Wednesday, four days before Frentzen was due to race in front of his home fans in the German Grand Prix.

As a result Jordan test driver Zonta will partner Jarno Trulli at Hockenheim.

Officially he is a caretaker driver for Sunday's race, but with only six Grands Prix left he is in pole position for the full-time drive for the rest of the season.

Zonta impressed at the Canadian Grand Prix

However, Sato's name is in the frame for next season and possibly even this year.

The Japanese driver is enjoying a superb season in the British Formula Three Championship, and has tested for both Jordan and BAR.

Honda, who supply engines for Jordan - as well as BAR - are known to be monitoring the Japanese star's career closely.

Sato's manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott has conceded there is "a possibility" of a switch to F1, but talks have yet to take place with Jordan.

"We have to see how it goes, but I have not really looked into the possibility of him fulfilling his F3 contract and driving in F1.

"Personally, I would love to take this challenge if possible," said Gilbert-Scott.

Sato celebrates his F3 win at Silverstone last October

It is anyway likely that Sato would want to tie up the F3 title before committing to Jordan, as well as getting more running in the F1 car.

Zonta has experience on his side and finished seventh when he replaced Frentzen for the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

Discussions are reportedly planned this weekend between Jordan, Zonta and his management team.

Frentzen's future remains uncertain, and he is threatening legal action against the Jordan.

On the track he has previously been linked with Cart and F1 newcomers Toyota.

But spokesman Andrea Ficarelli has dismissed claims that talks have already taken place with the Japanese car giants.

"We are not in negotiations with Heinz-Harald Frentzen or any of the current drivers," said Ficarelli.