By Phil Huff
March 9 2003

Heinz-Harald Frentzen scored three points for Team Sauber Petronas after finishing a fighting sixth in today's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the opening round of the 2003 FIA Formula One World Championship. Unfortunately Nick Heidfeld had to retire on the 21st lap after sustaining suspension damage after a collision earlier in the race.

Nick Heidfeld commented "The opening laps were really good fun, but my wet tyres quickly lost efficiency. If I had started further back I would have opted for grooved tyres, but since I was starting well up the grid I took the safe option. Once I had changed them the car did not feel normal because in the heavy traffic somebody had moved over and hit my right front wheel. Later on the suspension broke as a result of that, and I was really lucky not to hit Ralf when the car veered out of control."

Heinz-Harald Frentzen added "It was pretty tight out there in the early laps! But then it dried out very quickly and I had to come in and change to grooved tyres. After that the car was very consistent all through the race and my only problem was trying to get by Trulli, who blocked one way, then the other. But it was all fair stuff, and in the circumstances I'm happy to finish sixth and keep Alonso behind me."

Peter Sauber, Team Principal, said "It was impossible for us to start on grooved tyres, and then after the drivers had changed from wets the safety car came out. Considering all these problems so early on, to finish sixth and score three points is fantastic. Thank you Heinz-Harald for a successful return to the team. And thank you to the team for keeping its head in trying circumstances. It was unfortunate that Nick was hit by another car early on, but we are delighted to start the new season so strongly."