Formula One news
Ferrari counts cost of engine blow
08 October 2006 / Results / PhotosFerrari was left to count the cost of Michael Schumacher's engine failure at the Japanese Grand Prix. The German slipped ten points behind Alonso while team mate Felipe Massa's second place finish at least kept Ferrari within striking distance of the constructros' title.
"A feeling of huge disappointment today," said team boss Jean Todt. "We had within our grasp the possibility of turning up in Brazil with everything lined up to win both championships, having had Michael leading and Felipe third for around half the race. However, the situation was completely turned on its head and compromised our position. We are well aware that the basis of all success in Formula 1 is reliability and today we were lacking in that respect and hence we have paid a very high price. The drivers and the team did a very good job, as did Bridgestone. We must congratulate our closest rivals who have now staked a claim on both Championships. There is one race to go which will carry a special symbolism as it will be Michael's last one. As we have done for years now, we will put all our heart and soul into getting the best possible result. Today, however, we have a really bitter taste in our mouths."
Felipe Massa commented, "What happened to Michael when he was leading is a great shame. I also had a problem in the first stint, with a puncture in my right rear wheel, which had led to a slow but gradual loss of air. As a precaution, the team brought me in for my pit stop three laps earlier than planned. I went out on track behind a slower car and that cost me my chances of staying ahead of Alonso and, as things turned out, of winning the race. We can still win the Constructors' title, even if we know it is very difficult. For my home race in Brazil, I will give it my all to achieve that."
Michael Schumacher added, "We are a great team. Our guys are the best and I have a great affection for everyone at Ferrari and am always more than satisfied in the way we work. Incidents like today's can happen and they are part of racing. You win together but you also lose together. Today we did our best, I was leading the race and then my engine broke. That's the simplest way to sum it up. That is Formula 1. We can be proud of what we have achieved since Canada: we were twenty five points behind and no one could have thought we would be back in the fight for the championship, but we did it. Now we are nine points behind in the Constructors' classification and we will do all we can to win this title in Brazil. As for the Drivers,' it is lost. I don't want to head off for a race, hoping that my rival has to retire. That is not the way in which I want to win the title."
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