Barrichello: Montoya Clash Unnecessary

Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello claimed that his collision with Championship contender Juan Pablo Montoya in the opening stages of the United States Grand Prix need not have happened.

Montoya, of the Williams-BMW team, lost ground when he made a slow start to the race and he nudged Barrichello into the gravel trap at turn two at the start of lap three as he tried to fight his way back up the field.

But Barrichello, a close friend of fellow South American Montoya, claimed he had left enough space for the Colombian and insisted that a collision at the stage of the race was not necessary.

"We've always said that we are running quite close and one day we might touch, but it shouldn't have been today because it was a close battle," said Barrichello, before Montoya was given a drive-through penalty for his actions.

"The turn actually turns quite rapidly. I didn't turn in onto him. I thought I had left enough space. I didn't even reach the apex of the corner and all of a sudden I felt a bang. What I care is that I'm out of the race."

Barrichello had refused to be drawn on whether Montoya should have been penalised and he said: "I need to look at the video. It is very unfortunate that it happened this week. What I wish now is that I could be back in the race."

Barrichello was already out of contention for the Drivers' Championship while Montoya started the race three points behind Ferrari's Michael Schumacher with two Grands Prix to go.