Trulli Relieved after Trouble-Free Race

After three races where he was hit by problems, the Italian enjoyed a trouble-free event in Istanbul and, despite being slowed down by traffic, he was happy with the three points scored.

"After a few months of bad luck and disappointing races, it's good to have a normal race again at last," said Trulli. "I made a good start and I pushed to the limit at the beginning and throughout the race. I lost quite a bit of time in traffic during the race but other than that everything went well.

"I personally had a very strong race so it's good to be back where I ought to be. I always expected to be behind the two McLarens and the two Renaults, and the BAR has also shown good pace this weekend. So I'm really satisfied with our weekend's work and happy to come away with three points."

In contrast, teammate Ralf Schumacher could not avoid trouble today, his chances of a good result ruined at the start of the race, where the German was pushed from behind and sent to the back of the grid.

Schumacher continued in the race but he could only climb back to 12th position.

"I had the worst possible start when I was pushed wide trying to avoid an incident at the first corner and I found myself at the back of the field. So I basically lost it all then," said Schumacher. "Then I ran over Massa's front wing as I rejoined the track, so this was always going to be a tough struggle for me.

"Luckily my car was okay and I kept pushing all the way to the flag. Towards the end I was chasing Villeneuve but there was no way past. All in all an unlucky day, which is a pity for the team because the pace was there and we could easily have scored points today."