Brazilian GP: Arrows race notes

BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX Sao Paulo (Interlagos)

The OrangeArrows team had an eventful day in Sao Paulo today.

Brazilian, Enrique Bernoldi, started the race in the T-car after his race car was damaged during the morning warm-up session. Enrique was left stranded on the track at the Senna S after a spin into the tyre wall which caused his car to rebound onto the circuit. The oncoming cars all managed to steer clear of Enrique but Sauber's Nick Heidfeld hit the open door of the medical car as it arrived to help Enrique. A freak accident but nobody was hurt.

Both drivers got a good start to the race and just a few laps in, Heinz-Harald was dicing with the Jaguar of Eddie Irvine, passing him on the pit straight. A few laps later Enrique pitted early with a broken rear track rod. The car was fixed and he was sent on his way. Unfortunately on lap 25, Heinz-Harald, running in an excellent tenth position, pitted with the same problem. The decision was taken retire his car and also to call Enrique into the pits.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen

"That was a real shame as I was having a very exciting race. Our race set-up was working well and I was really enjoying myself out there. I felt that something was wrong with the rear of the car a few laps before my scheduled pit-stop so I came early. As it was the same problem Enrique had we decided it was safer to retire from the race."

Enrique Bernoldi

"I've had one hell of a day today. First, the accident I had this morning, then all the dramas in the race. After our difficult qualifying session, it was good to be able to show our pace was good for the race. I'm sorry that my home Grand Prix ended this way as I had a good start and was having a good time fighting for positions."

Mike Coughlan, Technical Director, OrangeArrows

"We have had no problems with that part until today so we are obviously very disappointed. It looks like we had the problem on Enrique's car this morning but because of the damage we did not realise. Both drivers were running strongly in the race so we look forward to Imola where temperatures should suit us more."

Weather: Hot and sunny.
Maximum ambient temperature 31C.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen
Position: DNF
Chassis No.: A23-01

Enrique Bernoldi
Position: DNF
Chassis No.: A23-03

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