Team pleased to complete a race distance

Made the distance
By Huw Alban
April 29 2002

OrangeArrows have revealed that Heinz-Harald Frentzen experienced a launch control problem with his car on the starting grid at Sepang, and Enrique Bernoldi's retirement was due to a different technical problem and not driver error. The team were pleased however to complete a race distance.

"The start was pretty disappointing as my grid position was good," was how Frentzen described his Malaysian Grand Prix start to the official Arrows website. "Once I got running the car felt good and we were able to learn a lot about the car as this is the first time we have run a whole race distance. It was a pretty lonely race for me but I was able to compare the A23 to a few other cars on the track. I think our race pace was good so it is a real shame the start went wrong."

Enrique Bernoldi enjoyed an exciting race, making up places at the start, soaking up the pressure from the Sauber of Felipe Massa, and enjoying a quick scrap with the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher. Unfortunately all that hard work ended when his A23 experienced what the team described as a 'fuel pickup' problem.

"Even though I couldn’t finish the race today I have to say it’s one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve had so far," Enrique said after the race. "My start wasn’t the best but I managed to pass a few cars on the first lap so I was pleased with my position. I had a great battle with Michael (Schumacher). He got past me, but then I got past him which was fun. I was due for my first stop on lap 21 but the car stopped when I had just half a lap to go. It’s a shame but I now have renewed confidence for my home race in Brazil."

Despite the problems experienced today the team used the race as an extended test, using Heinz-Harald Frentzen's experience to the maximum. This is the first time that the A23 has completed a race distance, and the team were pleased with the experience gained in Malaysia.

"Another troubled start for us as there was a problem with Heinz-Harald’s launch," explained Technical Director Mike Coughlan. "Once we had recovered from that he drove an excellent race for us and completed the first race distance for the A23 in arduous conditions so we’re pleased that the reliability and the pace are there.

"Enrique also drove very well today and was on course for a top 10 finish. He was on his way in for his first stop when we had a fuel pick-up problem. All in all, we’re pleased we lasted the race distance but disappointed as the result could have been much better.

"The team did a fantastic job all weekend in sweltering conditions and I’d like to congratulate them all on their determination."