Theissen says drivers' clash cost podium

Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica made contact at the second corner at the start of the race, both men dropping down the order before the event was red-flagged due to a heavy downpour.

Both drivers recovered to fight for the points, but they had to settle for sixth and seventh, and Theissen said their clash had cost them a finish on the podium.

"It was a turbulent race with two rain periods and a lot of hectic pitstops, ten in total for us," said Theissen. "Our pit crew did an excellent job and was capable of handling this situation very well.

"Finishing sixth and seventh was not because of the weather conditions, the collision in the first lap was responsible for that. In the end that cost us a podium finish."

The drivers had different views on the accident, both blaming each other.

"My start was not as good as usual and, unfortunately, in the first corner Robert forced me onto the dirt and then again in the second corner," said Heidfeld. "This was when unluckily we touched and afterwards I had a damaged car. However, we have been lucky that the race was interrupted and we were able to repair the car.

"The team did a very good job. Later in the race I was stuck behind Robert, and it was only at the end when he made a mistake I was able to pass him."

Kubica said: "I made a very good start, but in the second corner I think Nick arrived a bit too fast, he touched me and I spun. I was then last"