Formula 1
European GP: McLaren race notes
Both Team McLaren Mercedes drivers were unable to finish today's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Kimi Raikkonen retired whilst leading with an engine failure on lap 26. David Coulthard had to go off the track to avoid running into ...
Published: Jun 30, 2003, 4:19 PM
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Both Team McLaren Mercedes drivers were unable to finish today's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Kimi Raikkonen retired whilst leading with an engine failure on lap 26. David Coulthard had to go off the track to avoid running into the back of a rapidly slowing Alonso in their battle for fourth. Kimi had his pitstop on lap 16 (8.8 seconds). David had his stops on laps 18 and 42 and both lasted 9.4 seconds. Kimi remains second in the Drivers' World Championship with 51 points whilst David is seventh with 25 points. Team McLaren Mercedes is third in the Constructors' Championship with 76 points.
DAVID COULTHARD
"A frustrating weekend for the whole team. During the race I was benefiting from what was happening at the front and as a result was making good progress. In the latter part, I was fighting with Alonso for fourth and there were a couple of incidents, one in particular at turn eight when I ended up on the grass. However a few laps later I was forced to take evasive action to avoid running into the back of him as he braked incredibly early and that was the end of my race. I have my own views on the incident which I will discuss privately with Alonso, but at the end of the day it's for the Stewards to decide."
KIMI RAIKKONEN
"Obviously I'm extremely disappointed as we could have won today. I made a textbook start from pole position and was able to control the race and was pulling away until I had to retire with an engine failure. I had no indication that it was going to happen and the car was feeling great. However that is motor racing and we have to focus on the French Grand Prix. The gap to Michael can easily be closed with a good result and that is what we want to achieve next weekend."
RON DENNIS
"Our drivers' comments and the obvious outcome of the weekend say it all. With seven races to go our objective will be to put today firmly behind us and concentrate on the remaining part of the season, and we must not lose sight of the fact that we have a very competitive package."
NORBERT HAUG
"Kimi was the fastest man on the track today. He was clearly ahead when an engine failure finished his race shortly before half distance. He did everything right during the weekend and I feel very sorry for him. With regards to David's incident it looked as Alonso slowed down very suddenly and David had to take evasive action to avoid having a high-speed accident. We will work hard to reduce the seven points deficit to Michael Schumacher at the next race in France this coming weekend."
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