Formula One news

Brawn explains Barrichello's pitstop drama

According to Honda F1 team boss Ross Brawn the team was left with no other choice but to bring Rubens Barrichello in for fuel even though the safety car was out. The team realised it would result in a 10-second stop-and-go penalty but according to Brawn they had no choice but to do so.

Apart from refuelling Rubens Barrichello under a safety car situation the lolli pop went up before the team finished refuelling, causing a bit of panic as Barrichello left while the fuel tank was still attached. On top of that Barrichello excited the pitlane while the red lights were turned on.

Speaking about the whole pitstop drama Ross Brawn explains: "Shortly after we called Rubens in for the second of two planned pitstops, Timo Glock had a crash and the safety car was deployed. We had no alternative but to continue to bring him in because he was out of fuel, although we realised that the pitlane was going to be closed due to the safety car and that this would result in a 10-second stop-go penalty.

"During the pitstop the lollipop was lifted just a fraction early while the fuel hose was just coming off the car. After the pitstop Rubens exited the pitlane when the lights were still red and obviously this is in breach of the regulations. A tough set of circumstances after an otherwise very committed drive by Rubens. He got a good start and was able to keep Kimi Raikkonen behind him for 19 laps, so it is the positives that we take away from this weekend."

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