Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello said a mistake caused his spin at the beginning of the French Grand Prix on Sunday.
Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello said a mistake caused his spin at the beginning of the French Grand Prix on Sunday.
Barrichello had problems with the handling of his car during qualifying on Saturday and started eighth on the grid. He spun on the opening lap of the race and ended at the back of the field, but managed to fight his way to seventh place.
“I got my line wrong at the new chicane at the end of the first lap, as I was unsighted because I was following Alonso’s Renault in front of me very closely,” said Barrichello.
“When I turned, I went up on the kerb, the car didn’t want to respond and all I can say is that it was my mistake. My chances of a good result ended at that moment.
“For the rest of the race, I tried to climb back through the field, making the most of the change to a two-stop strategy,” he said. “I managed to do just that and at least I picked up a couple of valuable points for the constructors’ championship.”
Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn said it was a tough race for both Barrichello and Michael Schumacher. “Given the situation, we can be satisfied with Michael’s third place. It was a shame for Rubens, whose car was going well. After his spin, we changed the strategy and at least we managed to get him home in the points,” said Brawn.
