Eddie and Heinz in better times.

Eddie Jordan has revealed to The Sun how he became the victim of a global hate campaign last season.

The extrovert team chief was inundated with poison pen letters and obscene e-mails from race fans worldwide after sacking German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Such a vicious reaction shocked Jordan - who has always thrived on being one of the most colourful and loved characters in the pit-lane.

But it also proved that Jordan is capable of making the toughest of calls if he feels it will help his team progress up the grid.

Dublin-born Jordan revealed, "Getting rid of Frentzen just before the German Grand Prix was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make.
"I knew it would not be popular with the fans turning up for his home race. But, while I expected some stick from them, I wasn't prepared for the sort of backlash I received.

"The attacks, especially from the Germans, were quite vicious but they seemed to forget that it was almost 10 years to the day that they didn't have a driver in the sport - until I handed Michael Schumacher his debut drive at Spa.

Heinz wins for Jordan at Magny-Cours in '99.

"At that time, Germany was a country with no Formula One history. But I took a totally unknown driver, gave him a chance - and launched him on the road to world superstardom before he was snatched by Benetton.

"I was also the one who gave Ralf Schumacher his F1 opening after Mercedes and McLaren rejected him because they felt he wasn't good enough."

Jordan is unable to discuss in detail the reasons for Frentzen's sudden exit from the team because there is still a court case pending.
Indeed, even when it is heard, the full facts may never be disclosed.

But he is adamant it was the right thing to do to safeguard the future of the team and ensure they finished a respectable fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
Jordan added, "We had a huge difference of opinion in how the team should go forward. As the gap between us widened I realised we had to part company.
"I did give him the chance of racing in the German showdown but he refused the offer.

"If you want the best for your team you have to make the odd unsavoury decision. It was hard for me because I really do like Frentzen.
"He's a lovely man and a pretty special guy who handed us two wins and third in the championship table in 1999. But you can't allow your heart to rule your head.
"He may not be happy with what I did to him but I will never forget what he achieved with us. I'm delighted that he has found a drive with Arrows for this season and I wish him all the best."