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The 2005 European GP Review

Around one minute and 30 seconds separated Kimi Raikkonen from victory at the European GP. As it was, however, the Finn left Germany with nothing to show for and with a massive gap to Championship leader Fernando Alonso. Tom Keeble reviews the events and results from the seventh race of 2005

Tom Keeble Jun 1, 2005, 12:37 PM

The European Grand Prix from the Nurburgring produced a fascinating race - with politics at the outset, accidents, solid racing, and a surprise finish. Ultimately, it will probably only be remembered as an illustration of Kimi Raikkonen's luck, but there's no doubt it will not be forgotten.

In the event, Renault came away with a double bonus: not only does Fernando Alonso's fourth win strengthen their lead, but Raikkonen's failure to finish made it effectively far more difficult for the Finn to close the gap. Alonso also thought he was lucky, especially after he was hit in the opening corner: "I was afraid from the start of the race after Ralf hit me - I thought the car might have been damaged, and that I would have to retire."