Schumacher Absolves Montoya of Blame for Spin

World Champion Michael Schumacher said no one was to blame after he collided with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya at the European Grand Prix on Sunday, with Germany's Formula One leader skidding into the gravel.

Schumacher had been running second behind his brother Ralf in Sunday's ninth round of the season, with McLaren's title contender Kimi Raikkonen already out, when Montoya tried to go past into turn seven on lap 43 of 60. As the Williams driver turned in for the corner, the cars touched and the Ferrari spun off.

"We were going head to head and he was making it difficult for me," said Schumacher. "The corner got tight and we came together. It was a normal racing accident in my view. But there was no blame to assess."

Bogged down but with the engine still running, Schumacher waved for help and four marshals pushed his Ferrari back on to the circuit. He rejoined in sixth place, more than a minute behind Ralf.

"With his speed he was going to pass me sooner or later, it was only a question of time," Schumacher added.

"He was making his move on me at a time when my tyres weren't in the best condition. He was going exactly as fast as I was and if he didn't try it then I think he would have attempted it at another corner. It just happened.

"No-one is guilty - that's racing," said Schumacher. "He was making life for me quite difficult, not givng me any air to breath. I would have done the exact same thing in his position."

Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn had criticised Montoya earlier for the move.