Zanardi ends return season on a low

He cruised to a halt with electrical problems shortly after the start - bringing his points tally for the season to a grand total of zero.

The man, who arrived at the start of the season as reigning Indy car champion, was not alone in the hero-to-zero club.

Of the five drivers who have failed to score a single point this season two are champions - Monaco neighbours Jacques Villeneuve and Zanardi.

While the Canadian's team-mate Ricardo Zonta also failed to score, Zanardi's team-mate Ralf Schumacher scored 35 points, single-handedly carrying the Williams team to fifth in the constructors' championship.

However, team boss Frank Williams denied Zanardi place in the team was under threat
for next season.

He said the Italian had a contract for 2000, but added that he would not tell the media even if he had other plans.

Zanardi's disappointing departure from the century, if not the team, was not of his doing at Suzuka, though.

'The pitlane limiter activated itself and when I tried to release it the engine went into neutral and shut off so all I could do was park the car.

'It was a pity because I gained five places at the start and had overtaken two more cars in the first half lap,' he said.

The other non-points scorers were Luca Badoer and Tora Takagi of Japan.