The second half of the '98 season, which after Mike Gascoyne's arrival saw Eddie Jordan's cars consistently fighting for top positions, projected the Irish team into 1999 with renewed enthusiasm and optimism. Eddie Jordan decided to continue with Technical Director Gascoyne, who had joined from Tyrrell mid-'98 to replace long-time designer Gary Anderson, who had been with Jordan since its Formula 1 debut, and proved so competent that Jordan was convinced to reorganize part of the technical staff.
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| JORDAN 199, Heinz-Harald Frentzen Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1999 |
To design the new Jordan 199, trusted Mark Smith, who had been with Jordan for nine seasons, was confirmed as Chief Designer, while Tim Holloway was brought back to serve as Technical Director alongside Gascoyne. A major addition came with the recruitment of Bob Bell, an Aeronautical Engineer graduated from Belfast, who brought over 10 years of experience at McLaren under Adrian Newey and later at Benetton with Ross Brawn, reuniting the Gascoyne/Bell partnership responsible for the winning McLarens in the '89/'90/'91 championships with Prost and Senna. Within Team Jordan, Bell took the role of Chief Vehicle Technology Engineer, while John Iley, an Aerodynamics Engineer who had worked on the EuroBrun project in '89 before moving to the United States to develop cars for Newman-Haas, Lola Cars, and Swift Engineering, was confirmed as Head of Aerodynamics.
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| JORDAN 199, Damon Hill Spa-Francorchamps, Belgian GP 1999 |
The new Jordan 199 was a logical evolution of the competitive 198, though the meticulous aerodynamic refinements demanded by Gascoyne and implemented by Bell and Iley in the wind tunnel were immediately noticeable. The new chassis, designed by Gascoyne, was still a carbon monocoque but featured a slightly lower nose and a new front wing with a unique design to optimize airflow under the car. Supporting this were two large flow deflectors behind the front wing and streamlined fairings at the start of the sidepods, while the mandatory cockpit head-protection panels took on a bulged shape with two fins designed specifically to channel airflow toward the rear of the car. The sidepods themselves were taller and bulkier than on the 198, giving the car a more imposing look while maintaining extremely clean lines. The engine cover too was more rounded, enveloping the entire rear section with smooth, flowing shapes.
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| JORDAN 199, Heinz-Harald Frentzen Hungaroring, Hungarian GP 1999 |
Another key change concerned the engine: while still the classic 2999 cc Mugen-Honda V10, for this season it was updated to the MF-301HD version, completely revised in terms of weight distribution with a repositioned oil tank, enabling a noticeable lowering of the car’s center of gravity. Power output was increased to 790 hp while maintaining the trademark smooth delivery of the Japanese Honda-derived V10. A particular feature of the new Jordan 199 was the use of the engine as a fully stressed member, a solution reminiscent of Formula 1 cars from the 1970s. Lead driver Damon Hill was retained, while German Heinz-Harald Frentzen, arriving from Williams and replaced there by fellow countryman Ralf Schumacher (departing Jordan), was signed as the second driver. Throughout the season, the two drivers’ cars differed, with Hill opting for a bespoke version with a slightly longer wheelbase than Frentzen’s. Despite this adjustment, the English former World Champion struggled to adapt to the Irish car, managing only four points finishes and otherwise poor results.
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| JORDAN 199, Damon Hill Monza, Italian GP 1999 |
Frentzen’s story was very different: he consistently fought for top positions and delivered an exceptional season. With two wins, a second place, three thirds, and several other point-scoring finishes, the German secured third in the drivers’ standings and, up until three races before the end, remained in contention for the title in what would turn out to be the best season of his Formula 1 career. The Jordan 199 became the most successful car in the team’s 15-year history, claiming two victories, a pole position, and third place in the Championship standings.
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