Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Ralf bemoans problems

Third-placed Ralf Schumacher has spoken of the problems which dogged his German Grand Prix. The Williams driver had looked likely to challenge brother Michael's Ferrari during the early stages of the race before traffic and technical problems stunted his challenge and dropped him behind team-mate Juan-Pablo Montoya

"If I look at all the problems I had today I should be happy to have finished third," said Schumacher. "A couple of things went wrong today. First Trulli held me up and then I was slowed down by Villeneuve when I was approaching the pits and finally I had an additional stop to top up the pressurised air for the pneumatic valve drive of the engine."

Montoya, meanwhile, endured one of his less competitive runs of the last few races, but emerged with his first podium finish since Monaco.

"I didn't expect to come second," said a grateful Montoya. "It happened thanks to the misfortune of Ralf, but this is racing and these things happen.

The highlight of the Colombian's race was a tussle with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, from which the former emerged victorious.

"The fight with Raikkonen was very entertaining," enthused Montoya. "After he passed me at the start I had a few chances to overtake him, but it was too risky and I preferred waiting. Then the team told me I could make it and pumped my revs up, which gave me some additional power. Raikkonen made a mistake and I got past."

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Thiessen was happy with second and third place. "We have been quite strong this weekend and achieve a very good race results," he said. "Apart from seeing both our drivers on the podium I am happy that after a long time we were able to keep Ferrari's pace again."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Montoya Welcomes Unexpected Second Place
Next article Berger Predicts Tough Battle to Fend Off McLaren

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe