Frentzen Baffled by Start Problem

German Heinz-Harald Frentzen was baffled by a problem at the start of the British Grand Prix that hampered his chances of fighting for a good result.

The Sauber driver, starting from 14th position, came close to stalling his car as the red lights went off, his wheels spinning at high speed amid a cloud of smoke.

Frentzen, who dropped down to the back of the field as a consequence of the problem, was able to continue in the race but could only finish in 12th position after an action-packed event.

"I cannot say what happened at the start. All I know is that luckily I could stagger off the line," said the German. "We need to analyse the data. This race was definitely packed with excitement, with the spectator running on to track, Fisichella going off the road right in front of me, and finally Panis nearly hitting me as he came out of the pits."

Frentzen's teammate Nick Heidfeld had a difficult day too and wound up 17th more than two laps down.

"The race was very disappointing, even though I made a good start that won me some positions," said Heidfeld. "When the safety car came out the second time because of the spectator on the track we decided that I should come into the pits earlier than scheduled. Then I had a flat right front tyre and had to pit again, so Fisichella passed me.

"That time the team filled the tank to the brim, which had enabled me to make it to the end. But it also made the car's balance difficult, and at the same time I was told to save fuel so I couldn't drive at maximum speed. Then the engineers warned me that the front right tyre pressure was too low, so I was forced to make a third stop."