Sato, Monteiro blame each other for crash

The Super Aguri driver crashed into Monteiro's Midland at the end of the straight in the early stages of the race, as both fought for position following the safety car period.

"This is a disappointing end to a positive weekend," said Sato. "At the start of the race everyone packed into turn one and I managed to avoid the accident.

"I was prepared for the re-start and after the safety car went in I caught up to DC and Monteiro and at the end of the straight I was half a car length up beside Monteiro as I raced with him into turn one.

"He obviously saw me and he just kept pushing across me. By this time we had already started braking, so I couldn't go anywhere and he just kept coming and I ran out of space.

"I had to go over the kerb to avoid him, which is very high on this circuit, and this unfortunately launched the car up and off the track."

Monteiro said Sato had been over-optimistic in his move.

"I was really happy and relieved because I saw two cars rolling, it was a big mess and I saw a gap," said Monteiro. "I actually made contact with another car but I was able to go good...and then suddenly one of the Aguri drivers tried to win the race in the first lap."

Sato's teammate Franck Montagny retired from the race after being involved in the first corner accident.