Ralf jumped start says Alonso

Fernando Alonso was directly behind the Williams of Ralf Schumacher on the grid for the San Marino Grand Prix, and the Renault driver thinks Schumacher jumped the start. At the time nobody else appeared to think Schumacher was at fault, as no investigation was carried out, but Alonso is certain the Williams went too soon.

Fernando Alonso.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"I'm sure about it," he said, according to the Spanish media. "He was in front of me and the lights were red -- then he moved. I almost went after him but I waited until the lights had gone out."

Alonso nearly came to grief just after the start when the McLaren of David Coulthard hit him from behind. "Coulthard almost took me out at the first corner: some parts actually hit my helmet!" The Spaniard exclaimed. The McLaren had to pit for a new front wing and Alonso dropped down to ninth.

Later in the race Ralf Schumacher and Alonso clashed when the Renault tried to overtake and the Williams spun. An investigation was carried out for that but neither was deemed to be at fault, although Renault boss Flavio Briatore was not impressed with Ralf. "'Schumacher made the mistake," Briatore reportedly said. "That's why he was so determined to push Alonso off the road."

After a rather troublesome race, Alonso came home fourth. "As for the incident with Ralf, from where I was sat he just closed the door on me, but fortunately it didn't damage the car," he said. "Overall, I am pleased to have finished fourth."