Disappointment for Sauber in Belgium

Sauber driver Kimi Raikkonen in action during the second timed practice Keystone

The Swiss motor racing team, Sauber-Petronas, had little to rejoice about this weekend after both their drivers failed to complete Sunday's Grand Prix in Belgium. Germany's Michael Schumacher, however, celebrated his record 52nd career win.

Sauber driver, Germany’s Nick Heidfeld, was eliminated in the first lap of the race at Spa-Francorchamps, after he failed to stay the course.

His team-mate, Kimi Raikkonen was also unable to complete the course after running into car trouble. His Sauber engine broke down during the test run and the Finn managed to complete only two laps in a back-up car.

Despite the day’s disappointments, Heidfeld still holds level with Jacques Villeneuve of Canada in seventh place in the overall driver’s standings. They each have 11 points.

Raikkonen also stays in ninth place with nine points, which he shares with Italy’s Jarno Trulli.

In the constructor’s standings, Sauber remain in fourth place with 20 points. They are closely followed by BAR-Honda and Jordan-Honda which share fifth spot on 16 points each.

Schumacher victorious

Schumacher notched up his eighth win in 14 races this season and his fifth at the Ardennes circuit where he made his first grand prix appearance in 1991 and triumph in 1992.

The race had to be restarted when Brazilian Luciano Burti plunged into the barriers at one of the most dangerous parts of the track.

The Proust driver was taken to Liege’s University hospital for a scan after he concussed himself in the crash.

After the restart, Schumacher took the chequered flag a mere 10 seconds ahead of McLaren’s David Coulthard.

Italy’s Giancarlo Fisichella crossed the line third while Mika Hakkinen of Finland came in fourth in a McLaren.

swissinfo with agencies