Verstappen Sorry to Miss Out on First Points

Dutchman Jos Verstappen was sorry to miss out on a point-scoring position in today's Canadian Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who had started the Montreal race from 15th position, finished in ninth place two laps behind race winner Michael Schumacher. Verstappen's position was the Minardi team's best result of the year, but the veteran driver lamented not scoring the Faenza-based squad's first points of 2003.

"I was happy to finish today's race in ninth place, as it's our best result so far this season," said Verstappen. "It's a shame we weren't able to get eighth place and the Championship point that goes with it. The car ran really reliably in the race, for which I must thank all the guys.

"I had to let the frontrunners through after my second pit stop, which inevitably slowed me down a bit, but you can't ignore the blue flags, even though you almost have to coast down the straights at times to let people pass you. It's a good result for the team, though, and I'm very pleased with it."

Briton Justin Wilson retired from the race on lap 61 when he suffered a gearbox problem.

"The car was fantastic today â€" I could do what I wanted with it and position it where I wanted it on the track," said Wilson. "Everything was going to plan, the car hadn't missed a beat all afternoon, and then, just a few laps from the end of the race, I heard a bang as I was coming down the back straight and lost all drive.

"I was able to coast into the pits, but there was nothing that could be done. It's such a shame, because I think we could have had two strong finishes for Minardi here in Canada. It's good for the team, however, that Jos got a top-10 finish."