Hopes that Heinz-Harald Frentzen would substitute for Giancarlo Fisichella in today's French Grand Prix came to nothing last night, leaving Takuma Sato as DHL Jordan Honda's sole representative in this afternoon's race.  The team has issued a brief statement this morning explaining the situation.

It reads: "The Steward of the Meeting yesterday evening granted permission for DHL Jordan Honda to substitute Heinz-Harald Frentzen as the driver of car 9, however in spite of the best efforts of all parties, potential legal difficulties not involving Jordan Grand Prix meant that Heinz-Harald Frentzen was unable to accept the offer."

Frentzen, who failed to qualify his Arrows yesterday, is believed to have followed Giancarlo Fisichella back to their homes in Monaco.  Had the German driver been able to race for DHL Jordan Honda today, it would have been a most unexpected way for him and the team to celebrate the third anniversary of their famous victory in the French Grand Prix back in 1999.

DHL Jordan Honda is now preparing the single race car and T-car for Takuma Sato to participate in warm-up.  Fisichella's race car has been fully stripped down after its accident yesterday morning and the monocoque, which is intact, has been returned to the UK for the necessary repairs and repainting in time for the German Grand Prix next weekend.