Reliability Problems End Weekend to Forget for Arrows

The Arrows team endured a weekend to forget after a disappointing race on Sunday, where neither Jos Verstappen nor Enrique Bernoldi were able to finish.

Having experienced a very tough and frustrating qualifying on Saturday, Verstappen retired from the European Grand Prix with an engine failure on lap 59 after having struggled for grip during most of the race.

The Dutchman, who yesterday confirmed he will stay with Arrows in 2002, tried to put on a brave face and look forward to the French Grand Prix next week.

"The race was really difficult today," admitted Verstappen. "I gained five positions on the first lap but after that we couldn't make any headway. I had very little grip during the race so it was hard to push the car to the limit and to be honest we haven't been able to get the best out of the car all weekend. France can only be better."

Brazilian Bernoldi was also forced to retire with a gearbox problem on lap 30, adding yet another disappointment to his rookie season with the Leafield-based team.

"I got a good start and passed two cars on the first lap," said Bernoldi. " After that the race settled down for me until I came in for my pit-stop. I tried to select neutral but it didn't work and the car stalled. The car was running well after that but on lap 30 it got stuck in fifth gear and I had no drive so had to retire."