Ralf hits back at Alonso

Ralf Schumacher has resolutely defended himself over Fernando Alonso's allegations that he was responsible for the Spaniard's violent accident in the Monaco tunnel, triggering the second Safety Car period of the race

Schumacher claimed that he was in gearbox trouble but denied that he had been holding Alonso up unduly.

"Mirabeau and Loews is a bit tight [for letting people pass] and I wasn't in his way anyway. I just wanted to let him by in the tunnel," the German said.

Alonso claimed that Schumacher had moved to the right, then gone back on the power when the Renault was alongside, forcing it into the barriers.

"Even if I had gone on the throttle I had only fourth gear and I couldn't do anything," Schumacher explained. "I just went to the side, went off the throttle and waited for him to pass me. Anyone who looks at the video will see that I went to the inside and stayed there.

"There was one-and-a-half cars between us and so I don't see how I pushed him anywhere. Especially in fourth gear. He was going pretty fast and was pretty far to the outside, so I don't know what he's complaining about. He should just calm down. If he took more care then he wouldn't end up in the barrier. It's not my f**king fault!

"He was just too late when he decided to pass me. I don't know what he did and I don't know what he was thinking, honestly. Obviously he is frustrated and tries to blame someone instead of admitting to himself that it is his f**k up."