Enge Disappointed after Morning Crash

Prost driver Tomas Enge was a disappointed man after suffering a heavy accident in the first practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, in which the Czech destroyed his car.

The Czech's car slewed sideways, the impact ripping both right-side wheels off before it came to a halt in the gravel in a cloud of smoke and debris.

Enge, preparing for his third Grand Prix since he replaced Luciano Burti following the Brazilian's serious crash in Belgium, was unhurt but did not go out for the afternoon session, finishing the session in last place.

"This morning the track was really slippery and it was quite difficult for me to learn the circuit as quickly as possible and to get a feel of the car at the same time," said Enge. "I did not want to make any mistake and I have been able to improve lap by lap.

"Unfortunately, while I was pushing hard to improve, I entered too fast in a corner and lost the rear of the car. Once I got out of the line, there was nothing I could do to prevent from crashing into the barriers. It is very disappointing because the car is very badly damaged and I lost the benefit of the entire second session."

Teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen was an impressive fifth fastest in the second Prost. The German driver was delighted with his day's work and glad to see Enge walking away uninjured from the accident.

"This was an exciting first day," admitted Frentzen. "I think I have never done so well on the Suzuka circuit in terms of speed and consistency. The track was quite good and our car was in good shape too. We have been able to do quite a lot of testing during the two practice sessions and completed our programme.

"Unfortunately Tomas had a crash this morning which cost him valuable time to learn the track and to do some additional set-up work. So it is quite a mixed emotions day for the team, but I am happy that Tomas was unhurt."