Frentzen leaves troubled Arrows

Heinz-Harald Frentzen has quit the Arrows Formula One team due to the "uncertainty" surrounding the hard-up outfit.

Frentzen turned down a chance to temporarily race for Jordan as a replacement for the injured Giancarlo Fisichella in this year's French Grand Prix after Arrows deliberately failed to qualify. Frentzen did race for Arrows in Germany last weekend but, with talks continuing over the future ownership of the England-based team, he has asked to be released from his contract.

The 35-year-old German has been linked to several teams, including Sauber, Toyota and Jordan. He was fired by Jordan in 2001, but the team now have Deutsche Post as their major sponsor.

The Arrows team principal Tom Walkinshaw said: "Heinz told us that, due to the uncertainty at Arrows, he wished to stand down and we did not want to stand in his way. I'd like to wish him all the best."

Frentzen added: "I'd like to thank the team for the 12 races I have had with them. The team definitely has real potential so I hope they can sort their problems out." His replacement will be named before this month's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Arrows, who have been on the brink of bankruptcy all season, are negotiating a buy-out deal with the soft drinks producer, Red Bull.