Fuel Rig Problem Hampers Minardi

The Minardi team endured a disappointing "home" Grand Prix after both Justin Wilson and Jos Verstappen retired from the Imola race.

Rookie Wilson left the race on lap 23 after the team were hit by a problem with their refuelling rig.

Teammate Verstappen, who had taken the start from the pitlane after crashing out in yesterday's qualifying, went out with an electrical problem on lap 39, although Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said the Dutchman would have had to retire anyway due to the problem with the rig.

"This was not the result that we had been hoping for at the team's 'home' Grand Prix," said Stoddart. "Sadly, a failure of the refuelling rig denied Justin a chance to finish the San Marino Grand Prix, and would have done likewise for Jos, had an electrical problem not intervened and prevented him from completing the race before his next scheduled stop.

"I had hoped we would get both cars home today, but despite a sterling effort from the drivers, it was not to be. Hopefully, we'll have a better race in Barcelona."