McLaren blames backmarkers
Ron Dennis believes dithering backmarkers cost McLaren victory in the European Grand Prix
The McLaren team boss says cars a lap down did not get out of the way fast enough as Mika Hakkinen pursued Michael Schumacher for victory at the Nurburgring.
Dennis was speaking after Hakkinen finished second as Michael Schumacher triumphed in his own rain-lashed back yard.
Schumacher's fourth win in six races stretches his lead in the championship to 18 points heading to next week's Monaco Grand Prix.
"There is total inconsistency in the blue [overtaking] flag situation and that cost us victory," said Dennis.
"We were on schedule to take the lead from Michael in the pit stops when Mika got delayed by three cars scrapping for a place a lap down. That shouldn't happen."
"Even with losing some time in the pit we still should have been able to get ahead of Michael."
"Back markers move over faster for the leader than they do for the guy who is second because they think it is one of their rivals."
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