Heinz-Harald Frentzen has quit the Arrows Formula One team due to the "uncertainty" surrounding the cash-strapped team.
The German turned down a chance to temporarily race for Jordan as a replacement for the injured Giancarlo Fisichella in France after Arrows deliberately failed to qualify.
Frentzen did race for Arrows in Germany but, with talks continuing over the future ownership of the Leafield-based team, he has asked to be released from his contract.
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 and thank him for the hard work he put in at Arrows." 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 and realise their goals. I wish every one of them all the best for the future."
Frentzen's replacement will be named before the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month. AFP