Sunday, May 8 2005 21:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Barcelona: Narain Karthikeyan had a tough day at office as he had to fight a punishing track and his own team-mate Tiago Monteiro while finishing 13th last at the Spanish Grand Prix of the Formula One world championship in Barcelona today (May 8, 2005).

The Jordan Toyota EJ15 car continued to remain off pace through the weekend as Karthikeyan had to push hard and had to swallow hard when overtaken by Monteiro at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Monteiro too had problems as he had an engine failure after qualifying but did very well to overcome the setback of starting last on the starting grid.

"I made a reasonable start and the first few laps were ok. I was pushing hard as Tiago Monteiro was catching," Karthikeyan said after the race.

"Then I made a mistake in running a bit too wide in a chicane, went in the dirt and Tiago overtook me.

"I am glad we both finished the race and that the team has been able to gather some useful data."

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen drove a perfect race from start to finish to clinch the first win for himself and McLaren Mercedes this season.

Raikkonen's victory broke the winning spree of local hero Fernando Alonso and Team Renault who had clinched all the four Grands Prix of the season.

A 115,000-strong home crowd had come to cheer the new star Alonso but the Spaniard who had claimed three wins on the trot had to settle for second place behind Raikkonen.

The battle between Alonso and Michael Schumacher did not materialise as the Ferrari driver retired midway with a double puncture.

With Rubens Barrichello finishing ninth, the Scuderia team ended the race without a point.

Monteiro experienced an engine failure, after qualifying in 14th position, and therefore had to start the race from the back of the grid.

Karthikeyan had a clean lap and qualified 13th. As for the race, both drivers were satisfied to finish today's 66-lap Grand Prix in 12th and 13th positions, giving them more valuable race experience and mileage.

"Today was my best Grand Prix so far this season," Monteiro said.

"I had no problem and I was able to push harder and harder throughout the race. The tyres worked very well.

"I had an engine problem this morning and I had to start from the back of the grid but in the end I have finished 12th.

"I have really enjoyed this race and I would like to thank the team for the great job they did this morning, changing the engine so quickly."