Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne, 2nd April
2006
Michael Schumacher: R lap 33 32 laps chassis 253
Felipe Massa R lap 1 - chassis 250
Temperatures: air 16/19°C, track 27/22 °C
Jean Todt: “It was a weekend to forget.
Going home without points is a very bitter feeling, given
that we had all we needed to succeed. Felipe paid a high price
for yesterday’s qualifying, getting caught up in the
sort of situation that typically happens towards the back
of the pack at the start. After a first part to the race which
was difficult as it was hard to get the tyres up to temperature,
Michael went on the attack to try and move up the order. Unfortunately,
he lost control of the car after clipping a kerb which unbalanced
the car and ended up in the wall. This big disappointment
does not alter our targets, but it does make them harder to
reach. Now we want to show with results that we have what
it takes to get back on top, starting when we race at home
in Imola.”
Michael Schumacher: “I was pushing
to the maximum to try and close on Jenson and pass him. Probably
he had some problems as he was not very quick. I tucked in
behind him and unexpectedly I got some heavy understeer and
finished on the grass. I had to push, because that’s
the part of the track where it’s possible to pass. Today,
our main problem was keeping the tyres up to temperature,
especially in the first part of the race and also because
there were a few safety car periods. We had chosen this compound
specifically for the race, and once they reached the right
operating temperature, they were going well, as was obvious
after the pit stop. At first, it was difficult to drive, as
after locking the wheels a few times the tyres were completely
finished. It’s clear we have a lot of work to do.”
Felipe Massa: “Not much to say…At
the first turn, I had Klien on my left and Speed on my right.
Christian touched me, which spun me around and to the right,
then I hit Rosberg and ended up in the barrier. There was
nothing I could do as I was basically a passenger in my car.
I am very unhappy because I am sure I could have had a good
race. It’s been a weekend to forget. Now we must turn
the page and work to be as well prepared as possible for Imola.”
Ross Brawn: “It was a bad day. In
the first stint of the race, Michael could not push the way
he wanted as he struggled to get the tyres up to temperature,
which was also partly down to the many safety car periods.
Then, in the second part, it was clear that he could maintain
a good pace. A shame about the accident which meant a good
result was not possible. Now we have work to do, with significant
developments to be tried on the car in the coming weeks.”
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