Minardi makes a point in Germany

The Grand Prix minnow, which is better known for its paddock cappucino than its cars could have come out with so much more after a dangerous gamble of leaving both drivers on dry tyres during the rain storm paid a handsome dividend.

In a heartbreaking finale Minardi's other driver Luca Badoer was the last car to retire just 13 laps from the flag while running fourth.

The little Italian who also test drives for Ferrari, appeared to collapse by the side of his car and burst into tears.

'My first words are for Luca who did an excellent race climbing very high up the classification; his laps were unbelievable, among the fastest and he therefore, deserved really much more,' said team boss Gabriele Rumi.

'His retirement on such a favourable day ruins our joy a little.'

Gene said, 'I am very happy for the team because this is the result of a whole year's work. It was a great car and a great strategy.'

Team manager Cesare Fiorio added, 'On the pit wall we decided twice to leave both drivers out on dry tyres while it was raining.

'It was risky but they both drove very well. We took a risk and it repaid us.'

Despite spending at least £10 million every year Minardi has not scored a single point since Pedro Lamy, of Portugal, finished sixth in Adelaide at the end of the 1995 season to score its only point of that season.

Super-rich BAR is now the only team not have scored a point this season.