Engine Failure Hampers Trulli's Progress

Jarno Trulli's hopes of a better place on the grid of the German Grand Prix were dashed by an engine failure in the final moments of qualifying as the Jordan team endured a tough day.

The Italian driver had to settle for a disappointing tenth place after being unable to complete his final run due to a failure with his Honda engine. Trulli was unable to return to the pits on time and was frustrated by the German marshals' work.

"The car wasn't bad but it was a tough job," said Trulli. "I was trying hard but unfortunately I had a problem and had to stop at the far end of the circuit, really far away.

"The marshals weren't very professional because they didn't know where to send me; I had to look for the best way back but once I had found it, there was not enough time left to get back to the pits to take the spare car."

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta, racing instead of Heinz-Harald Frentzen after Jordan decided to replace him last Wednesday, posted the 15th quickest time. The former test driver, who was expirienced gearbox problems during practice today, was looking forward to a better performance in the race.

"Since I have been given this opportunity it would have been nice to qualify well but I still hope to have a good race," said Zonta. "I lost a lot of time this morning but the mechanics did a great job when the car had a problem and they needed to change the engine and the gearbox."