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Talking Points: Behind the scenes of the European GP

From the chess game between the master strategists Brawn & Symonds, through the wrong choice of tyres at the Michelin camp, to McLaren's decision to stress Montoya's engine beyond the limits - Adam Cooper has the inside scoop on the decision makers and their decision making last weekend at the Nurburgring

Brawn vs. Symonds

The European Grand Prix was another great contest between Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, but whether it was an actual race is a moot point. It was a game of chess, a battle of nerves between strategists Ross Brawn and Pat Symonds that as ever came down the timing of the pitstops.

It says a lot about modern Formula One that once he knew he was stuck in second, Alonso turned his engine down and cruised to the flag, doing just enough to keep Felipe Massa behind. The difficulties of passing, the points system, the need to save an engine for a second race... so many things contributed to that state of affairs.

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