Zonta Rues Troubled Return to Racing

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta is looking forward to the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks time after enduring a poor racing return in Hungary today.

Zonta, who has been promoted from test to racing driver after the Toyota team decided to replace compatriot Cristiano da Matta, retired from today's event after suffering a mechanical problem on lap 32.

His race, however, had started poorly after he hit the back of Mark Webber's Jaguar at the first corner. Zonta spun his car, but was able to resume at the back.

"I am naturally disappointed with the outcome," said Zonta. "It was not the way I had planned to make my race debut for the team. I got a good start and made up a few positions on the run down to the first corner. Things got very tight through turn 1 and I was hit from behind by a Jordan, which sent me into a spin and to the back of the field.

"I then had a lot of overtaking to do, something that is very difficult at this track. In the end, I was making progress, but the car suddenly lost all power and I had to stop. The problem appears to have been caused by electronics, but we must first study all the data to be precise.

"I have settled into my new role as race driver quite easily thanks to the team and I am looking forward to a much stronger performance in Spa."

French teammate Olivier Panis finished down in 11th place, the veteran driver claiming he could have finished in the points had he started from a higher grid position.

"I think everybody in the team did a very good job," said Panis. "We had one or two problems over the race weekend, but nothing major. It was a shame that we had to start from 13th, because we looked good during the race this afternoon.

"With the speed that the TF104B has, we have a car that is able to score points if we start from a higher grid position."