Panis comes under fire from boss

David Coulthard and Mclaren boss Ron Dennis blamed the Frenchman's blocking tactics while being lapped for costing them victory in Imola.

'I am not going to defend my driver,' said Prost. 'Normally there is a big difference between us and the McLaren but this gap was not as big this time.

'I told Olivier many times (on the radio) David was coming through. In my opinion it was not good enough what he did but I cannot do more than I have done.

'I was afraid he was going to get hit with a penalty,' he continued. 'I said to Ron Dennis after the race 'Excuse me, I have done the best I could'.

But the four-time champion argued his driver was not to blame for Coulthard's defeat. 'I don't think David lost the race because of that - lets be realistic.'

Panis defended his own actions' 'I'm sorry for David but I was fighting with Giancarlo for my team. I don't think it is my fault Ferrari won'.

Then he said he was looking to build on Monaco's flying start.

'Third-fastest is very good but we must not stop there. We must work to remedy the understeer problem.'