No Birthday Present for Monteiro
Jordan driver Tiago Monteiro was disappointed with his result in the German Grand Prix despite managing to continue with his run of race finishes
Monteiro, who was celebrating his 29th birthday today, completed the Hockenheim race to continue with his perfect record of finishes in the 2005 season.
The Portuguese driver's race, however, was eventful after he was involved in two accidents. In the end he finished in 17th place, three laps down.
"Today's race was not the kind of gift I was expecting for my birthday," said Monteiro. "What is important for us is that, again, we managed to finish the race, although it was a tough one.
"I had a good start but then somebody touched me and pushed me off the track and I lost one or two positions. Therefore I ended up last. I was then able to push very hard, as the balance of the car was much better than we have had the whole weekend.
"I think our lap times were not too bad as well. I had a very good in and out lap in my first pit stop and that's why I have managed to pass Narain and Albers. I was very happy with the car until I had a racing incident with Villeneuve. It is a pity but I would like to thank everyone for another finish and look forward to the next one."
Monteiro's teammate Narain Karthikeyan also completed the race, but it was still a disappointing day for Jordan, who saw their main rivals Minardi finishing in front of them thanks to Christijan Albers' 13th place.
Karthikeyan was down in 16th position.
"I am happy to finish the race as I have had some technical problems in the last two races," he said. "I did not have very good start but I managed to pass Monteiro. The first 15 laps went OK and then I blistered my rear tyres, after which my car was too much on the edge.
"I also got a drive through penalty but I do not understand as I never saw the blue flag for Heidfeld. I had a quick spin near the end as well so I am quite satisfied I finished the race."
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
Albert Park Circuit Modifications Project
Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: Bahrain GP Race Debrief
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Are we at peak F1 right now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How crucial marginal calls will decide the Red Bull vs Mercedes battle in F1 2021
The longer Red Bull can maintain a performance edge over Mercedes, the better the odds will be in the team’s favour against the defending world champions. But as the Bahrain Grand Prix showed, many more factors will be critical in the outcome of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
