German ace Heinz-Harald Frentzen delighted the Jordan crowds at the team's Silverstone home by qualifying second for the British Grand Prix. In the closing minutes of the session, as drivers fought to take advantage of a rapidly drying track, Frentzen seized the opportunity and took second place, narrowly missing pole position. Team-mate Jarno Trulli had a disappointing session; he qualified 11th after his chances of a good grid position were dashed by traffic.

Speaking in the press conference after the session Frentzen confided to the media that his new baby daughter had played her part in his strong performance. "I think Lea has brought me luck," he said. "I called home just before qualifying and Tanja put Lea on the phone to me. She made some baby noises and I think she must have said, 'Good Luck Daddy'!"

Frentzen continued, "I am very happy with this result – it was a great effort from the team. It is very exciting to start Jordan’s 150th race here at Silverstone from the front row of the grid. I did not really expect to be on the first row, but we seized the opportunity and did a very good job. It will be tough tomorrow but let’s hope the car is reliable and we can continue today’s good work.”

Rubens Barrichello stole pole position from Frentzen in the last minutes of the session. The Brazilian outshone his team mate, Michael Schumacher, who qualified fifth - an unusually low position and one which, from his demeanour on returning to the garage, he was clearly not pleased with. The two McLarens of Hakkinen and Coulthard will start the race ahead of Schumacher but behind Frentzen's Jordan.

Jarno Trulli did not enjoy the same luck as his team mate. His chances of a good grid position were thwarted by the two Williams drivers who held him up on two crucial laps - Button in the early stages of the qualifying session, Ralf Schumacher towards the finish. A disappointed Trulli said, "I am not happy with my result today, but at least Heinz was able to have a good qualifying and show that our car is very competitive here. The car felt good and I was quick, but I was held up by traffic and did not have a clear run.”

Jenson Button, perhaps lifted by the British crowd, out-qualified Ralf Schumacher. The two Williams drivers will start the race from 6th and 7th positions. Jaguar, however, struggled to give the British fans much to cheer about. Irvine qualified 9th and Herbert 14th.

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