Tyre Problems Hamper Fisichella

Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella was very disappointed after just missing out on a point-scoring finish at today's United States Grand Prix.

Fisichella had enjoyed a promising Saturday after qualifying in ninth place, but the Italian claimed the problems with his Bridgestone tyres cost him dear in today's race, where he went on to finish in seventh position one lap behind race winner Rubens Barrichello.

"Finishing 7th is not very good," admitted the Italian. "There was reasonable pace and I was having a good race except that the behaviour of the tyres was very inconsistent.

"Both sets of tyres were okay for the first few laps but then there was huge oversteer everywhere and after 15 to 20 laps the rear end came back and I was quick again. I'm very disappointed."

Teammate Takuma Sato also experienced problems with the tyres and had to settle for 11th position.

"The start was exciting and our launch control has improved since the last race which is good. I already improved on my position going into Turn 1 by overtaking Olivier and Eddie Irvine. After the start I got stuck in traffic, which cost us time and the two stop strategy meant we should have been pushing ahead.

"Towards the finish I had blistering on the tyres or something and found the oversteer quite difficult. In the end it was just about bringing the car home. It was a tough race."