Sato: crash was unfortunate

The Japanese driver made a blinding start to be fourth into the first corner, but immediately realised that he had an engine problem. He held off the pack until his Honda failed on the exit of Tabac. Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard but slowed to a crawl and Fisichella simply ran into the back of the McLaren.

Coulthard was critical of the BAR team's decision to keep Sato on-track even though his car was wisping smoke from the start. The Scot pointed out that McLaren had withdrawn his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen's car when it became clear the Finn's engine was waning to avoid an on-track catastrophe.

"It was very unfortunate that the smoke caused the crash between Coulthard and Fisichella," said Sato afterwards, "and although there was nothing I could have done about it, I am really pleased that no one was hurt.

"I am obviously extremely disappointed today after making such a great start off the grid. I think we made a great tyre choice for this race and we had a very good strategy - it's just a shame I wasn't able to use it! I immediately felt a loss of engine power and saw some smoke, then my race was over."

Honda's engineering director Shuhei Nakamoto summed up the manufacturer's day: "One way or another we contributed to lots of the drama today! First of all Jenson had another fantastic race and I loved watching him catch Jarno - fighting for a win feels good. I have to say that I am very sorry for Taku - he got a fantastic start and we should have done better for him."