Montoya Blames Panis for Ralf Incident

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya has blamed Toyota's Olivier Panis for pushing him into Williams teammate Ralf Schumacher at the start of the European Grand Prix.

Montoya finished eighth for Williams after a miserable start for the BMW-powered team, with the Colombian colliding with Schumacher at the first corner. Ralf, who led a Williams one-two last year, retired immediately after also being hit by the Toyota of Brazilian Cristiano da Matta and was dumped into the gravel.

"When I made it to the first corner Rubens Barrichello, who was in front of me, braked quite early and both Ralf and I locked the tyres," explained Montoya. "Then Ralf went for the outside and I stayed behind Rubens but when I was going around the corner Panis dived up the inside hitting my front tyre which threw me straight into Ralf.

"A hairpin is always going to cause problems in a racing start. After that I had obviously a tough race, having to recover from 18th place. I still could collect one point, but I know there was more in the car."

Ralf, meanwhile, dismissed the crash as a racing incident.

"It was a very unfortunate accident with Juan who just braked a bit too late since he was trying to gain some places at the end of the straight," said the German. "I am 100% sure Juan didn't do it on purpose therefore I am not going to blame him for this. It was a very normal start accident."