Wilson Happy with Race Finish

Minardi's Justin Wilson was happy to make it to the end of today's French Grand Prix despite finishing more than three laps down.

The British Formula One rookie, starting from the back of the grid, completed his third consecutive race, albeit in 14th position.

"I knew with the fuel strategy we had today that I just had to push hard for the whole race and keep going â€" Jos was on a three-stopper and it was going to be close whether that or the two-stop approach we had chosen was going to be better," said Wilson.

"I thought there was an intermittent problem with the transmission in the first part of the race, as the car was losing speed quite badly on the straights, which is how Ralph Firman passed me. I eventually re-passed him, and although the problem had me concerned for a while, it cleared up and the car was fine for the rest of the race.

"Anyway, it's another Grand Prix finish, which is really good."

Wilson's teammate Jos Verstappen, who had set the fastest time in Friday's qualifying session, also made it to the end of the race despite several problems that hampered his progress. The Dutchman wound up 16th, four laps down.

"It was a hard race, particularly in terms of the handling of the car," said Verstappen. "Five laps from the end of the race, the left front wheel came loose turning into one of the high-speed chicanes, and I had no choice but to drive straight on.

"I came into the pits for a new set of tyres and went back out, but the car didn't feel quite right and I pitted again two laps later for the guys to check it. They assured me everything was okay, and I then set my fastest lap.

"Anyway, at least I made it to the finish, which is a small reward for all the effort put in by the team."