Jordan denies row with Frentzen

Jordan said that Frentzen was one of the nicest drivers

Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has dismissed claims that a heated row with Heinz-Harald Frentzen led him to sack the German after the British Grand Prix.

Jordan spoke to reporters on Friday about Frentzen, two days after his team issued a statement announcing the decision.

The Irish team owner said that Frentzen was a nice man and his dismissal was for the sake of the team, but denied any claims of arguments between the two.

"I have never heard Heinz-Harald's voice raised," Jordan said.

There were several things I was unhappy about and we just couldn't agree

Eddie Jordan

"I don't believe I have ever raised my voice to him. There has never been any question of a row.

"Heinz is one of the nicest people who ever drove a racing car and a fantastically nice man."

However, Jordan did add: "We were unhappy about certain things going forward. It came to a head a bit after Silverstone."

Frentzen joined Jordan in 1999 from Williams, winning two races and finishing third in the championship.

But the 34-year-old driver scored just six points from ten races this year before being sacked on the eve of the German Grand Prix.

Frentzen has put his lawyers onto to the case, and Jordan remains cagey about why the German had to leave.

Details of Frentzen's departure remain vague

"There were several things I was unhappy about and we just couldn't agree," Jordan said.

"The future of the team is everything to me. I have to think about what will deliver the best results for our sponsors, our drivers and our staff, me included.

"And I have to be sure I go down the path that is going to give is the best chance of a result."

Despite Frentzen's sudden departure, Jordan claims time can heal the wounds.

"Short term pain can lead to long term gain," he said.

"Heinz has, I would hope, a long racing career in front of him but that's up to him."