Sunday July 21st, 2002
Arrows driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen has been prevented from racing in Sunday's French Grand Prix for his former team Jordan, because his management fear legal repercussions from current employer Tom Walkinshaw.
Frentzen was set to drive as a replacement for injured Giancarlo Fisichella at Jordan, who crashed heavily in Saturday's second practice session, but Jordan spokesperson Helen Temple revealed the move has been refused.
"He wants to do it and Jordan wants to do it, but his management have stepped in," said Temple. "They will not allow him to take part because of the potential legal technicalities."
Frentzen failed to qualify his Arrows on Saturday as the debt-riddled team appeared to deliberately miss the qualifying cut, so he jumped at the chance of competing in the more competitive Jordan car.
However, the FIA insisted there must be "no contractual difficulties" and although all teams agreed to the move, Frentzen's lawyer advised him against driving because it could compromise his position with Arrows.
The German driver is still in legal proceedings with Jordan after he was sacked following an argument in the Silverstone paddock with team boss Eddie Jordan at the British Grand Prix in 2001.
But the problem is believed to be with his cash-strapped current boss, Walkinshaw, who could have used the situation to his advantage and refused to pay Frentzen because of legal technicalities of driving for another team.
Published at 07:41:07 GMT