'This is a dreadful result for the team,' said Eddie Jordan. 'But we must be thankful that the drivers were not injured although, having said that, our thoughts are with the fire marshal who was seriously injured by flying debris.' Starting from sixth (Jarno Trulli) and eighth (Heinz-Harald Frentzen), and having respectively moved to fourth and sixth, the Italian Grand Prix ended for Jordan at the second chicane.

'I made a good start and then I was hit from behind,' said Trulli. 'I am not hurt but really so disappointed that my race ended like this when I was in a good position. Under the circumstances - we understand that a marshal was seriously hurt - may be the race should have been stopped. There were many cars involved and it was a very dangerous situation.'

Frentzen said he was trying to overtake the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello going into the second chicane. 'He changed line and braked unexpectedly early,' said Heinz-Harald. 'I could not turn in time to avoid him, so I hit him. I am lucky to have got away with only a bruised knee. It is a very bad day for Jordan, for me and for Jarno, as we wanted to score points today.'

Eddie Jordan said this was the continuation of a very frustrating season for the team. 'It's difficult not to become emotional about it,' said Jordan. 'We have shown we are making serious progress but then on each occasion when we look to be in a strong position, something happens and it does not work out for us. Both drivers made good starts but when you have two drivers on different fuel strategies, it can lead to problems in the braking area. Quite simply there were too many cars trying to go through the same gap and it ended in disaster for Jordan with Heinz hitting Rubens, then Rubens and Heinz hitting Jarno. This time last year we had a triumphant day, today we've had a disaster. It happens.'

Jordan Grand Prix