Fisichella Rues Bad Luck after Engine Failure

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella rued his bad luck after being forced to replace his engine after just two laps of today's practice for the European Grand Prix.

The Sauber driver lost his engine at the start of the first practice session, and so he will lose ten grid positions in tomorrow's qualifying. Fisichella could run in the second session, but finished down in 16th position.

"It was most unfortunate that I had an engine problem after such a short time this morning," said the Italian. "Obviously that lost me valuable track time, but by far the most serious effect is that I must lose 10 grid places tomorrow.

"Right now I am feeling a little bit unlucky..."

It was a poor day for the Sauber team, as Brazilian Felipe Massa also succumbed to mechanical problems in the second session. Massa wound up 20th.

"This afternoon something went wrong with the electrics on my car, and I stopped by Turn 10 where Giancarlo stopped this morning," said Massa. "There was no warning, it just cut out. I was on a new set of tyres but never got to use them.

"On the positive side, the car felt nice and consistent on old tyres this morning and initially this afternoon."