Heidfeld blames clash for suspension failure

Heidfeld made a brilliant start and rocketed into third position from seventh on the grid. He then fell back as the effectiveness of his Bridgestone wet tyres wore off, and it was during this time that he was hit by another car that caused the suspension damage.

"The opening laps were really good fun, but my wet tyres quickly lost efficiency," said Heidfeld. "If I had started further back I would have opted for grooved tyres, but since I was starting well up the grid I took the safe option."

His right front suspension ultimately broke on lap 21 at one of the fastest parts of the circuit, causing him to veer across the Waite chicane and almost harpoon into the side of Schumacher's Williams.

Heidfeld explained: "Once I had changed the tyres the car did not feel normal because in the heavy traffic somebody had moved over and hit my right front wheel. Later on the suspension broke as a result of that, and I was really lucky not to hit Ralf when the car veered out of control."

Heidfeld's team-mate, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, finished sixth to score three points for the Swiss-based outfit.