By Huw Alban
April 29 2002

OrangeArrows should have been in the points today, but an electrical problem stranding both cars on the dummy start grid. A first corner incident retired 50% of the field, and there were more retirements from those left running - even Minardi (happily) managed to score a 5th placed finish ! Both OrangeArrows A23's were pushed off the grid and eventually into the pit lane exit. Heinz-Harald Frentzen was seen to be trying to get out of his car, but an Arrows engineer, pushing his car from the side pod, guestured for him to stay there.

The race start saw a big accident between pole sitter Rubens Barrichello and Ralf Schumacher, and the rest of the grid joined them in multiple accidents that totalled 9 cars. This left 11 cars left in the race, and Arrows waiting for the red flag and the restart.

Unfortunately the Australian stewards decided that they could clear the situation under the safety car, menaing that there would be no restart. As the remaining car circulated behind the safety car, the team managed to get Heinz-Harald Frentzen's car started and he joined the race at the back of the pack.

The race restarted on lap 5 with David Coulthard leading. Enrique Bernoldi ran back to the garage to hop into the spare car, and joined his team mate at the back of the field albeit 9 laps behind.

Both drivers were then black flagged for joining the race after the pit lane was closed, Frentzen on lap 19.

In the teams post race press release it was revealed that both cars stalled on the dummy grid due to an identical electrical problem on both cars. With the 1st corner carnage that occurred there was a chance that Arrows could have scored points today - an opportunity that was thrown away. Technical Director Mike Coughlan knows that too, "Today was a missed opportunity - there were points there for the taking. Believe me when I say this is one mistake we will learn from !"

Next stop Malaysia...