Montoya to blame for Ralf's retirement

By Andrew Hooper
May 30 2004

   
Montoya to blame
 
The first corner of the European Grand Prix would see Juan Pablo Montoya lock up his tyres while turning into the corner. The only problem been that it would be team-mate Ralf Schumacher who was alongside the Colombian and he would see Juan Pablo make contact with the right rear tyre of his FW26.

This would spin Ralf around and he would then involve Toyota's Cristiano Da Matta. Both Ralf and Cristiano would retire on the spot. Da Matta was to feel that his retirement was caused by Ralf.

Da Matta spoke of his part in the incident by saying: "The worst thing that can happen to you when you come to a race is not race - and that's what happened. I don't understand what happened there because Ralf just sharply turned left and took me off."

Ralf was later lay the blame for his retirement firmly on Juan Pablo's shoulders.

Ralf responded by saying: "I was just a passenger, Juan just ran into me so what should I do?" I didn't even see Cristiano - he was just a victim of the incident - I'm sorry but there's nothing I could do."
 
 
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HP Formula One 2004
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