Formula One news

Sutil spoke with Räikkönen after incident

Adrian Sutil has revealed that he spoke with Kimi Räikkönen after the pair made contact in Sunday's German Grand Prix, dashing a hope of elusive first points for the Force India team. Sutil, who had run as high as second place during pit-stops, made contact with the Ferrari whilst exiting the pit lane.

The coming together occurred at Turn 1 on Lap 28

With a brilliant qualifying lap on Saturday placing Adrian ahead of both Ferrari cars, despite carrying more fuel, the 26-year-old took advantage of being the heaviest car at the start of the race to maximum effect, with the advantage of pitting later handing him and the Silverstone-based team greater flexibility with its race strategy at the Nürburgring. However, upon rejoining the track, the VJM02 contacted with the 2007 Champion, breaking a front wing end plate.

"I knew he was there as my engineer Brad had told me to watch the white line and that he was coming when I was on the way out of the pit lane," Sutil, who rounded the corner on the inside, explained. "I entered the corner first. Kimi tried the outside, which was okay, but there was plenty more space - he could have gone to the side, because I was on new tyres and it was really slippery.

No penalties were handed out for the collision

"I couldn't have made any crazy moves, otherwise I would have lost my car. When you see my on-board, I took the corner normally - I tried to push to be able to have a good exit but I was quite limited when I was already on the inside for the braking for Turn 1. If I didn't try to accelerate out of the corner it wouldn't have been racing anymore, I might well have just waved him by and said 'come on, pass me please!' - you have to defend your position."

The touch forced Sutil to pit again in order for repairs, as Räikkönen continued only to retire later with engine problems as a result of a punctured radiator grill. "We spoke about it and everybody agreed that it was a racing incident," Sutil continued. "It's a shame as, at the time, I was just behind Massa who went on to finish third; obviously, some drivers made good progress in the second half of the race, so I think seventh or eighth position would have been possible…I think points, definitely."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage