EDDIE JORDAN will defy his critics and prove he is a Formula One winner.
That is the confident prediction of the Jordan Honda team's senior driver, Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Jordan slumped from third place to sixth in last season's World Championship and the boss took the brunt of the blame. The Irishman's critics reckon he is too much of a joker and partygoer to compete with the likes of Frank Williams, McLaren's Ron Dennis and Ferrari's Jean Todt for the sport's ultimate prize.

But Frentzen, who had two seasons with Williams before joining Jordan in 1999, said: "People have got it all wrong about Eddie. He is serious about his work - and I have no doubts he is a winner.
"Sure, he likes fun - but at the right time. He is not just a joker. He wants the job done properly and lets you know if you're not doing it as you should.

"Eddie doesn't need the technical ability to design a fast Formula One car, just as Frank and Ron don't have that ability. That isn't his role.
"The important thing for any team is to get the right people together and Eddie is working to do that. I am sure you will see progress this year."

Jordan is expanding his staff and facilities, and has linked up with Honda in a move that could eventually power his championship ambition. As if to demonstrate he means business, he even cancelled last year's staff Christmas party because he felt they had not done enough to celebrate.

Frentzen has confirmed his trust in Jordan by signing on for a third season. He said: "I have faith in the team. I think this is the best opportunity for me. I have grown with the team and we can progress together."

Frentzen, like the team, was third in the 1999 championship rankings, winning two races and even threatening a title challenge. But last year he was a dejected ninth as the car failed to give him the reliability he needed.
"The car was quick but not reliable enough," he admitted. "But, together with Honda, I believe we can get it right."

With Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes expected to dominate the 2001 championship yet again, the battle for third place is likely to be fiercer than ever. Williams BMW, Benetton Renault and BAR Honda are all aiming to be best of the rest.

But Frentzen is adamant that Jordan have the talent, organisation and hunger to take a significant step forward this year and eventually challenge the top two for the title.
He said: "There has been more investment by the team and we can look ahead more confidently.

"No one wants success more than Eddie."