Silenced Frentzen thanks fans for support.

Deposed Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen has maintained a dignified silence following his abrupt exit from the Silverstone team last week, but still feels that his supporters are owed an explanation.

The German was given his marching orders on the eve of his home grand prix, ostensibly, according to inside sources, because of differences of opinion over the future direction of the team.

Now, with his departure having come just weeks after Jordan appeared to take up an option on his services for 2002, Frentzen is embroiled in the early stages of legal proceedings against the team and, as such, is prevented from speaking out on the issue.

Nevertheless, the three-time GP winner is determined to assuage his loyal fans, many of whom demonstrated on his behalf at Hockenheim at the weekend.

"I know that it is about time to explain a few things to my partners and fans," he said in his personal website column, "However, I will have to remain silent. I am sorry not being able to comment on the issue, as we are in the middle of a lawsuit. My lawyers have strictly recommended me [not] to do so. The only thing I can do at the moment is to thank all my partners and fans for their support up to now. I can only ask for your patience for the time being."

Regardless of the feeling at Jordan, Frentzen's reputation is far from dimmed following his sacking. He has already been mentioned in connection with a possible seat at Toyota for 2002, and may yet re-appear in grands prix in place of Jean Alesi should the Frenchman, as is rumoured, take his seat at Jordan. Despite assertions to the contrary, there has also been much made of Jaguar's desire to land a German driver to boost its image in the country, and Frentzen is now free to take up such an opportunity should it arise.

He has also been offered a tentative CART ride for the race at Lausitzring in September, despite not yet having had an official approach from the team involved. Frentzen was thought to have been close to a career extension in the USA following his departure from Williams in 1999.