JV downbeat after another retirement

"It was a huge disappointment that I could not finish the race today," said the BAR driver, who has only finished one of the first four Grands Prix this year. "It was looking as if I was finally going to get some points this year. It has been a very difficult start to the season."

Villeneuve was unsure what mechanical gremlins caused his latest breakdown.

"At the start of the race we worked very hard to get up to sixth position and I am not sure if we had a mechanical failure or a gearbox problem. But I do know it is frustrating to end another race without any points."

Team mate Olivier Panis suffered gearbox problems and had his steering wheel changed as a precaution - although he did finish the race just outside the points in eighth. "I am very disappointed," he said. "I made a good start, probably my best start in Formula 1 but I developed a few niggling problems fairly early on. I finished the race, but we have got to continue to work hard."