Racing 'trivial' to Fernandez on dark day.

Adrian Fernandez retired from the 'American Memorial' after 120 laps with an engine problem after a troubled run in Germany but racing was the last thing on his mind on a day where Alex Zanardi's horrific accident darkened a tough weekend even further.

Adrian Fernandez' excellent record at 'flyaway' races was not continued in Germany on Saturday as he lost five laps in the early going as his team re-programmed his engine before succumbing to the same difficulties on lap 120 of the 154 lap event. However despite the retirement of both himself and teammate Shinji Nakano, who ground to a halt under the final caution period with less than 15 laps remaining, the result was the last thing on Fernandez' mind after the race.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex [Zanardi] and his family," said Fernandez. "It was a terrible accident and all we can do at the moment is pray. It just breaks my heart. We are thankful that Alex Tagliani seems to be okay. In light of all that has happened, our day seems trivial. We had a problem that turned out to be engine related, and that plagued us throughout most of the race."

Mo Nunn Racing driver Zanardi and Tagliani were involved in a sickening accident on lap 141 that brought about the caution period that ended the race. Tagliani ploughed into the side of Zanardi's Reynard-Honda after the Italian had lost control and spun onto the rack in turn one whilst exiting the pit road. Sadly the likeable two-time CART Champion lost both his legs in the crash that completely tore his car in two. Tagliani suffered minor injuries but was being kept in hospital for observation.

Nakano struggled to find a decent set-up all day and quickly fell off the lead lap after starting only 25th but his thoughts were also elsewhere after one of the toughest weeks CART has had to endure.

"We are all very concerned for Alex [Zanardi], and have to hope for the best," said the Japanese driver. "Our thoughts are with him right now. I had an electrical problem which put me out of the race."

Team co-owner and team manger Tom Anderson also gave his thoughts on a traumatic week.

"Our thoughts right now are with Alex Zanardi and Alex Tagliani and hopefully that they will both be okay," quoted Anderson. "Right now we aren't sure of their condition. It wasn't a productive day for Fernandez Racing at this beautiful facility and this beautiful day that we were given. Both cars failed to finish due to electrical problems, which, at this point in time, have very different systems so we believe it to be two different parts. The electronics are very complicated pieces, and it will take us a little while to understand what has happened. We will have it fixed in time for the Rockingham race next weekend.

"Again our prayers with Alex Zanardi and Alex Tagliani as well as those from September 11th."