Heidfeld Delighted with Points Finish

German Nick Heidfeld was pleased after scoring a point at today's European Grand Prix despite starting the race from the pitlane.

The Sauber driver had failed to set a time in final qualifying after a mechanical problem in his car forced him into a spin at the first corner of his flying lap. But Heidfeld, who had scored only one point this season before Sunday's race, recovered from his qualifying nightmare and went on to finish in eighth position.

"After I didn't get a timed qualifying lap yesterday I decided to start the race from the pitlane," said Heidfeld. "At the beginning it was not easy to pass both Minardi drivers and I also got stuck behind Villeneuve.

"But after that the car was going well. I am just very happy about my result."

Teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who also had a torrid qualifying day, just missed out on a point-scoring finish.

"My congratulations to Nick. I am happy for him and for the whole team," admitted Frentzen. "We have scored one point and also both cars were undamaged today and we were both able to finish the race.

"Normally, this shouldn't be unusual, but after yesterday's qualifying session our results today are a surprise to me. At the beginning I was fighting with Firman, but then I was able to get on with my own race and I'm happy to finish in the top nine."