Formula One news
So close yet so far for Force India
25 May 2008 / Results / PhotosA spectacular performance from Adrian Sutil in today's Monaco Grand Prix so nearly yielded the Force India Formula One Team's first-ever points in the Formula One World Championship. But it was not to be as, following a restart after a safety car period - tragically on lap 67 of the 78 lap race - Sutil was hit from behind by Kimi Raikkonen.
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"I can't believe it, it was so close," said Sutil. "It feels like a pain in my heart. It is like a dream gone to a nightmare - suddenly you are in the car and it looks all fantastic, then you have to accept it is not going to happen. We had a really good strategy and it seemed to work and we were so close to the podium and the points. It was after the restart after the final safety car that Kimi had a problem under braking and crashed into the back of my car. The race was over and it was a real shock. A few tears came out as the adrenaline was high - I just can't explain it. All the same I am so pleased that we did show what we can finally do as a team."
It was also a case of what might have been for team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella. Starting his 200th Grand Prix this weekend, Fisichella kept clear of the melee of crashes, traffic and safety car periods in front, but problems with his gearbox throughout the race led to his premature retirement on lap 36.
"At the beginning of the race I was just careful to be out of the trouble, but then I lost first and second gear and I was running third gear," said Fisichella. "Even with the conditions the lap times were competitive and then I lost fourth gear and the race was over. It's a real shame for the team, especially after Adrian's performance that we could not score our first points here."
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer commented, "I suppose sport has its highs and lows and unfortunately today Force India felt both of them. Giancarlo had a difficult day in his 200th race; soon into the race he lost first and second gear and, very impressively, drove for around 30 laps without them. He then lost fourth and we had no choice but to retire him. Adrian fast made up places in the race and with our one stop strategy we were able to keep him out and he could stop when it was dry. When the safety car came out we were comfortable and under control until Raikkonen lost it and went into the back of Adrian and broke his rear suspension. But that is life and I am sure that if we did it once, we can do it again."
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