Another slap in the face for Jaguar

Webber had his own launch system problems, getting bogged down and losing at least six places before the first corner, after that it was always going to be a game of catch-up. He then went on to pick up a pitlane speeding penalty, in his haste to make up for lost time. Even so, the plucky Aussie fought his way up to ninth, at one point, but his race was to be curtailed by suspected drive-shaft failure on lap 55.

"A disappointing finish to what had been a very encouraging weekend for us," said Webber. "We had a few issues slap us in the face today which we simply have to improve upon.

"There was a problem at the start and we're aware we have to make the launch system more efficient so it won't happen again. Then, there was a bit of a problem with the cruise in the pits when I thought I was on the pit limiter but it turns out I wasn't."

By lap seven Pizzonia was a full lap down - he had a spell in the pits after the start and never really got back into the race.

"I just couldn't get the launch system to engage," said Pizzonia. "Because I started the race from the pitlane one lap down, I could not make an impact. We have a test at Mugello next week where we will look at some of the problems we have had before Spain.

"The good news is that Jaguar reached the chequered flag for the first time this season."

Jaguar's head of vehicle performance Dr Mark Gillan said: "Points have eluded us so far but it will not be long now before we start earning a return on the huge investment everyone is making."