Schumacher not blaming Montoya

There were a couple of unimpressed faces at the end of the European Grand Prix after Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard ended up in the gravel while challenging other drivers. The McLaren remained beached but Schumacher regained the track, with a little help from the marshals, and went on to finish fifth.

The German clashed with the Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya but although Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn claimed the Colombian was at fault, Schumacher is not blaming him. Michael believes he would have done the same thing as Montoya if their positions had been reversed.

"We were going head to head and he was making it difficult for me. The corner got tight and we came together," said Schumacher. "It was a normal racing accident in my view. But there was no blame to assess. With his speed he was going to pass me sooner or later, it was only a question of time."

"He was making his move on me at a time when my tyres weren't in the best condition. He was going exactly as fast as I was and if he didn't try it then I think he would have attempted it at another corner. It just happened. No-one is guilty -- that's racing. He was making life for me quite difficult, not giving me any air to breath. I would have done the exact same thing in his position."

Coulthard was struggling to pass the Renault of Fernando Alonso when he spun off. The Scot claimed Alonso was to blame as he braked much earlier than Coulthard expected, and it showed the Spaniard's inexperience.

McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh suggested that Alonso was deliberately brake-testing Coulthard. However, the stewards so no reason to take action. Renault boss Flavio Briatore said Alonso was struggling with tyre problems but had done nothing wrong.