Fisichella finds no solace in the F1 timing screens Austrian GP report

The Italian retired with fuel-system problems six laps from the end of a race in which he had never been competitive.

His team-mate Ralph Firman finished 11th.

Fisichella said: "I'm not happy at the moment. That was another disappointing race and my third retirement out of three.

"We had a very difficult race, with extremely low grip levels. It's not good at all and we need something for the future.

"I know the team are working really hard and I hope we can find some improvements quickly."

We are just not quick enough Eddie Jordan Profile: A talent finally rewarded

Fisichella won the Brazilian Grand Prix with Jordan this year after a strong drive in wet conditions.

But Fisichella is a renowned wet-weather expert and the team have been uncompetitive on a dry track, where driving ability is less able to make a difference.

Team boss Eddie Jordan said: "We are just not quick enough."

Fisichella, who is 30, is highly regarded in F1 and is widely considered to be a top-line driver who has never had a car worthy of his talent.

He is keen to get into a top team for 2004, but Ferrari, McLaren and Williams all appear to have two drivers contracted for next season.

Jordan struggled to survive the winter after hitting a financial crisis and are only racing this season after a cash injection from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.