Panis 'Extremely Disappointed' after Early Exit

Frenchman Olivier Panis said he was extremely disappointed after retiring from the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Toyota driver, who announced his retirement from Grand Prix racing at the end of the season, went out of the race after just a few corners when he crashed into the back of Antonio Pizzonia's Williams.

The incident sent the Brazilian spinning and the Frenchman out of the race.

"I am extremely disappointed with the outcome of today's race," said Panis. "I think the team made a good strategic decision to start on slick tyres despite the damp track conditions. I gained a place into the first corner, and I was racing closely with Pizzonia at the second chicane with the field very tight.

"I picked up a bit of understeer and ran into the back of his car, which broke my front wing. I then ended up in the gravel and my race was over. It is a real shame after what has been a difficult weekend for me."

Panis' teammate Ricardo Zonta finished down in 11th position.