Season openers often turn into a battle for survival, but this year's event was even tougher than usual. A huge crash immediately after the start involving 9 machines removed DHL Jordan Honda's Giancarlo Fisichella and Lucky Strike BAR Honda's Olivier Panis from the race. Takuma Sato was still in it and driving well, reaching 5th position at one point, until he was forced to retire with gearbox trouble on lap 15. Jacques Villeneuve also had to pull out after spinning off and crashing into a wall on lap 27 while in 6th position. The Honda team finished this first round without any points.
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