Ralf: Michael did nothing wrong at European GP start

Ralf Schumacher has finally given his views on brother Michael's forceful blocking manoeuvre at the start of the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring last Sunday - and said he would have done exactly the same thing

Williams-BMW star Ralf said he hadn't enjoyed the experience of being squeezed towards the pit wall by his pole-sitting brother at the start of the race, but he fully expected him to do it.

"That kind of thing isn't exactly very pleasant for the person on the receiving end," said Ralf. "But he was just defending his position, as he did later on in the race as well. I would have done exactly the same in his situation. Michael has always driven really hard, but never unfairly, at the Nurburgring. I know his driving style and he knows mine. We have to live with that. We're just not prepared to give anything away."

The brothers have spoken since the Nurburgring race, and Ralf insists there is no bad blood in their sibling rivalry.

"I'm now looking forward to the next duel in France, hopefully with a better outcome for me," he said. "That's what I told Michael on the phone as well."

Schumacher Snr has also decided to speak on the subject, reiterating his feelings about what happened: "I never know what people expect of me. Ralf and I race for different teams. The move I made was hard but within the rules. I want to make it clear that Ralf and me cannot do each other any favours."

Ralf remains upset, however, over his 10sec stop-go penalty that robbed him of at least a second place finish and a shot at beating Michael at their home track.

"I think it's a pity the officials handed me such a harsh penalty and not others who made the same mistake," he said. "I think it deprived the fans of an exciting duel for first place."