Monza (ITA) 13 September 2009: Edoardo Mortara failed to finish today's GP2 Series race at Monza after contact with yesterday's race winner Geido van der Garde led to the Italian's retirement.

Edo, who lined up fourth on the Sunday reverse grid after his incredible race into the points on Saturday, was afforded an extra opportunity to make up places at the start when Javier Villa, who should have lined up second on the grid ahead of him, was forced to start from the pitlane.

In spite of the clear track ahead of him, Edo failed to capitalize as the lights went out, and fell back to sixth at the first corner.

With yesterday's race winner now on his tail Edo tried all he could to keep the Dutchman behind, but the two made a slight contact at the first chicane, which launched Edo over the bumps and caused irreparable damage to his car.

Edoardo Mortara:

I didn't do a great start, and that was my fault. I almost stalled the engine and that dropped me back a few positions. I was really trying to push but it was impossible for me to stay with the others. Even with a tow on the straights it was still impossible for me to stay with them. I had Van der Garde behind me, and he's one of the worst people to have behind you because he was super quick all weekend. I outbraked him two or three times, tried to stay in front of him, but then we had a slight contact. I ran over the bumps and broke my bargeboards, which I held onto all the way back to the pits because I didn't want it to fall off and be left on the track.

Next we go to Portimao for the final race weekend of the year. We'll see how it goes. We have an extra session of practice and for sure that's going to help us to develop the car.

Finally I'd like to say well done to Nico Hulkenberg who won the title today. He's done a great job and he deserves his success.

Telmex Arden International Chief Engineer - Mick Cook:

Edo struggled today and in the end his race was ended by the contact with Van der Garde. The start wasn't great but it's quite difficult here with the first gear, and that made the race more difficult.

We're looking forward to Portimao next weekend for the final weekend of the season. It's always interesting to go somewhere new and that should make it a level playing field even though some drivers have been around it in other cars. But the fact that nobody has been round it in a GP2 car means it could be a very exciting weekend to finish the championship season.

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