Eddie Jordan, Chief Executive of Jordan Grand Prix, confirmed today that he has exercised his option on Heinz-Harald Frentzen to drive for Benson and Hedges Jordan in the year 2000. 32 year old Frentzen, who joined Jordan for the 1999 season, gave the team its first win of 1999 at the recent French Grand Prix. This victory was his third podium finish of the year and helped consolidate Jordan's current third place in the World Championship.

On announcing the news, Eddie Jordan commented, "Heinz-Harald has been the revelation of the year and his speed and consistency has been key to Jordan's current strong third place in the 1999 World Championship. We are all delighted that he will be staying with us next year and look forward to even greater success." Frentzen added, "I am delighted that Jordan has taken up its option on my services for the year 2000. Together, we have shown that we are a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to continuing the challenge for greater results in the year 2000."

Along with Jordan's announcement regarding Frentzen, the team also confirmed that the coming British Grand Prix will be Damon Hill's final race, downplaying speculations that Hill might reconsider driving for the rest of the season. A press release from the team today said that "The 1999 British Grand Prix will mark the end of a hugely successful career [for Damon Hill]. 22 race wins out of 105 demonstrates Hill's success rate."

"His results will always show he was one of the sport's great winners," says Eddie Jordan. Hill's teammate expressed the opinion of many when he said, "When Damon retires, we will lose a strong character in Formula One and a great ambassador for the sport. There is not really a replacement for what he represents in the sport."

Speaking about his last race at Silverstone, Damon said, "I will need that famous second a lap which racing in front of your home crowd is supposed to give drivers. I am hoping for something special, but whatever happens, I'll be out there to enjoy it."