Trulli Blames Poor Qualifying for Missing Podium

Italian Jarno Trulli blamed his poor qualifying position for not achieving a best result in today's United States Grand Prix.

Trulli, who had dominated Friday's qualifying, crashed out during the warm-up session on Saturday, causing heavy damage to his car. As a consequence, in the grid-deciding session he could only set the tenth fastest time, which he claimed cost him dear in today's race.

"We were quick in both the dry and the wet, but I think the real damage was done by my mistake in the warm-up yesterday," said Trulli after finishing fourth. "I should have got pole yesterday and, had I done so, we could have looked for a much better result. I'm pleased with the performance today, but it could have been better.

"The car became more and more competitive during the race and, towards the end, it was really fantastic. The conditions made things more complicated today, but as a driver, you need to attack whatever the conditions, and that is what I did today."

Spaniard Fernando Alonso retired from the race with an engine failure.

"It's only the fourth time I have retired this year, but it is particularly frustrating because, with Ralf and Rubens both going out as well, I could have taken fourth place in the Championship," said Alonso.

"We were competitive today, but I still wasn't happy with the car: it has been difficult to drive since the start of the weekend. We now have to look towards Suzuka, which should suit our package well."