Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: The first race of the 2008 season in Australia saw Piquet start 21st and damage his car in a collision on the opening lap , before ultimately retiring on lap 31 .
Simplified: The first race of the 2008 season in Australia saw Piquet start 21st and damage his car in a collision on the opening lap . He finally retired on lap 31 .