De la Rosa Satisfied with Race Finish

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa found some consolation in finishing Sunday's European Grand Prix after what he claimed it was a very hard race.

The Spanish driver fought his way up the grid after another disappointing performance from the Jaguar team in Saturday's qualifying to eventually finish in 11th position more than a lap behind race winner Rubens Barrichello with the Ferrari.

Despite failing to score his first points of the season, de la Rosa was satisfied to cross the finish line.

"A very hard race which tested us to the limit," said de la Rosa. "It didn't start too well because I had a problem on the start grid with the launch control. At first, it didn't engage and I feared the worst.

"The car was a handful throughout the race and the only consoling factor was its reliability that allowed me to cross the finishing line. We knew this weekend would be very hard on us and finishing the race was our target."

Teammate Eddie Irvine was unable to finish the race, retiring with mechanical problems on lap 42.