Double disappointment for Williams

Schumacher pulled off the track after suffering an engine problem on the run down to the Parabolica on lap three while leading, while Montoya abandoned his car in the pit-lane with a suspension problem.

Schumacher cut across the grass at the first chicane on lap one in his determination to hold the lead from Montoya, who came close to running over the bumps placed in the chicane in avoiding the German. Despite the incident, the duo continued in first and second places.

"It was a very odd start," said Schumacher. "Juan had some problems getting away so I took advantage at the first chicane. The team was called by the FIA to swap places with Juan, and I slowed down. Right after that I had an engine failure."

Montoya was disappointed to miss on a podium finish after slipping behind the Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.

"I didn't have a good start at all as the engine nearly stalled," said the Colombian. "Ralf went past me under braking for the chicane and he just went straight. It's a shame that I had a problem with my chassis because I still could have finished third.

Chief Engineer Sam Michael was disappointed with the team's poor reliability, which also forced Schumacher to switch to the T-car moments before the start of the race.

"After the lap to the grid Ralf had to switch to the T-car due to a fuel pressure problem," said Michael. "He then suffered a pneumatic pressure loss with his engine during the race after only a few laps."