Fisi picks up final point

The Italian's race went according to plan and despite graining problems with his new tyres Fisichella, who leaves the team to join Renault next year, did not put a foot wrong.

"The race went almost exactly the way I expected it to, right down to the start!" he said. "It was a good race for me, and even though one point isn't really enough it was still good to score it. The car had very good pace and balance, and the sole problem was the tyres graining two or three laps after each pit stop, but that cleared up after five or six laps.

"I did my best and really pushed, and I didn't make any mistakes, so I am pleased with myself and the team-work and now I'm really looking forward to Spa."

Team-mate Felipe Massa ended his dismal weekend in the pits on lap 23 after suffering a brake problem. It was further misery for the Brazilian after starting from the back of the grid following his engine change on Saturday.

"I was able to pass a few people at the start, and after Pantano went off the road I could catch up easily with Panis. Unfortunately, after my first stop I had a problem with a 'long' brake pedal at the end of the straight. We made another pit stop to check the brake system but when the team couldn't fix the problem they advised me to stop for safety reasons."